C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS

C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS

C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS

C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS

Abstract

Translated from Chinese

本发明提供了用于确定一个或多个胚胎或多潜能细胞的发育潜力和/或一个或多个胚胎或多潜能细胞中的染色体异常的存在的方法、组合物和试剂盒。 The present invention provides a method for determining one or more potential developmental potential of embryos or cells and / or one or more embryos or pluripotent cells in the presence of a chromosomal abnormality methods, compositions, and kits.这些方法、组合物和试剂盒在体外确定在人类中治疗不育症中最有用的胚胎和卵母细胞中有用。 These methods, compositions and kits for determining the in vitro infertility most useful embryos and oocytes therapeutically useful in humans.

Description

Translated from Chinese

成像并评估胚胎、卵母细胞和干细胞 The imaging and evaluation embryos, stem cells and oocytes

[0001] 相关申请的交叉引用 CROSS [0001] REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] 本申请要求2010年5月7日提交的美国临时专利申请第61/332，651号和2009年8月22日提交的美国临时专利申请第61/236，085号的优先权，其两者通过引用全文并入本文。 [0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application U.S. Provisional Patent Application May 7, 2010, filed 61 / 332,651 and 22 August 2009, filed No. 61 / 236,085, which both of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

发明领域 Field of the Invention

[0003] 本发明涉及来自人类和动物两者的合子/胚胎、卵母细胞和干细胞的生物和临床测试以及尤其是成像和评估的领域。 [0003] The present invention relates to the field of imaging and in particular zygote and assessment / embryos, oocytes and biological and clinical testing of stem cells from both humans and animals.

[0004] 发明背景 [0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] 不育症是影响10-15%生育年龄的夫妇的常见的健康问题。 [0005] Infertility is a common health problem in 10-15% of couples of reproductive age affected.2006年仅在美国，约进行了140，000个周期的体外受精(IVF) (cdc.gov/art)。 2006 only in the United States, about 140,000 were in vitro fertilization cycle (IVF) (cdc.gov/art).这产生每年超过一百万个用于植入并且发育足月的具有可变并且常常不清楚的潜力的胚胎的培养。 This produces embryos are more than one million per year for full-term implantation and development of a variable and often unclear potential.IVF之后的活胎率，每个周期，仅为29%,而平均30%的活胎导致多胎妊娠(cdc.gov/art)。 Live births rate after IVF, for each cycle, only 29% average 30% of live births resulting in multiple pregnancy (cdc.gov/art).多胎妊娠对母亲和胎儿都具有证据充分的不利结果，例如流产、早产和低出生率。 Multiple pregnancies have sufficient evidence adverse consequences for both mother and fetus, such as miscarriage, premature birth and low birth rate.IVF失败的可能原因是不同的；然而，自从1978年引入IVF以来，主要挑战之一是鉴定最适于转移并且最可能产生足月妊娠的胚胎。 Possible causes of IVF failure is different; however, since 1978 the introduction of IVF, one of the main challenges is to identify the most suitable and most likely to produce an embryo transfer term pregnancy.

[0006] 基础胚胎发育领域中的认知受到限制，因为对人类胚胎生物学的研究仍然具有争议并且常常从研究资金中免除。 [0006] cognitive basis of embryonic development is limited, because research on human embryo biology remain controversial and are often exempt from research funds.结果，胚胎发育的现有知识中的大部分来源于模式生物的研究。 Results of the study, most of the existing knowledge from model organisms in embryonic development.然而，当来自不同物种的胚胎经历相似的发育时期时，时机因物种而不同。 However, when the embryos from different species experience similar developmental stages, due to the timing of different species.这些不同以及许多其他不同使得其不适于直接从一个物种推知到另一个物种(Taft，RE(2008)Ther1genology 69(1):10-16)。 These different and that it unsuitable for many other different species inferred directly from one to another species (Taft, RE (2008) Ther1genology 69 (1): 10-16).人类发育的一般途径，以及根本的基本分子决定因素,对于人类胚胎发育来说是独一无二的。 General approach to human development, as well as the fundamental underlying molecular determinants for human embryonic development is unique.例如，在小鼠中，胚胎转录在受精后约12个小时被活化，与第一次卵裂分裂同时，而在人类胚胎中，胚胎基因活化(EGA)发生在第3天，约8细胞时期(Bell,CE等人(2008)Mol.Hum.Reprod.14:691-701 ；Braude,P.等人(1988)Nature332:459-461 ；Hamatani, T.等人(2004) Proc.Natl.Acad.Sc1.101: 10326-10331 ；Dobson,T.等人(2004)Human Molecular Genetics 13(14):1461-1470)。 For example, in mice, embryonic transcription is activated approximately 12 hours after fertilization, while the first cleavage division, while in human embryos, embryonic gene activation (EGA) occurs at day 3, about 8 cell stage (Bell, CE et al. (2008) Mol.Hum.Reprod.14: 691-701; Braude, P et al (1988) Nature332:. 459-461; Hamatani, T. et al. (2004) Proc.Natl.Acad .Sc1.101:. 10326-10331; Dobson, T et al (2004) human Molecular Genetics 13 (14): 1461-1470).此外,在早期人类发育中被调节的基因是独一无二的(Dobson,T.等人(2004)Human Molecular Genetics 13(14):1461-1470)。 Moreover, early in human development-regulated genes are unique (Dobson, T et al. (2004) Human Molecular Genetics 13 (14):. 1461-1470).而且，在其他物种例如小鼠中，超过85%的体外培养的胚胎达到胚泡期，哺乳动物发育中的第一大界标之一，而培养的人类胚胎具有约30-50%的平均胚泡形成率，以及镶嵌现象和不正常表型例如破碎和发育停滞的高发生率(Rienzi，L.等人(2005)R印rod.B1med.0nline 10:669-681 ；Alikani, Μ.等人(2005)Μο1.Hum.Reprod.11:335-344 ；Keltz, MD等人(2006)Fertil.Steril.86:321-324 ;French，DB等人(2009)Fertil.Steril.)。 Further, in other species, such as mice, more than 85% of in vitro embryo reaches the blastocyst stage, one of the first major mammalian development landmarks, the human embryonic culture having about 30-50% of the average blastocyst formation rate, and a high incidence (Rienzi, L mosaicism and other abnormal phenotypes such as breakage and failure to thrive of people (2005) R printed rod.B1med.0nline 10:. 669-681; Alikani, Μ et al ( 2005) Μο1.Hum.Reprod.11: 335-344; Keltz, MD et al. (2006) Fertil.Steril.86: 321-324; French, DB et al. (2009) Fertil.Steril)..虽然有这些不同，但是大部分的植入前胚胎发育研究来源于模式生物并且很难与人类胚胎发育相关(Zernicka-Goetz, M.(2002)Development 129:815-829 ；ffang, Q.等人(2004)Dev Cell.6:133-144 ；Bell, CE等人(2008)Mol.Hum.Reprod.14:691-701 ；Zernicka-Goetz, Μ.(2006)Curr.0pin.Genet.Dev.16:406-412 ；Mtango, NR等人(2008)Int.Rev.Cell.Mol.B1l.268:223-290)。 Although there are these differences, but most of the pre-implantation embryo development studies from model organisms and difficult development associated with human embryonic (Zernicka-Goetz, M. (2002) Development 129: 815-829; ffang, Q. et al. (2004) Dev Cell.6: 133-144; Bell, CE, et al. (2008) Mol.Hum.Reprod.14:. 691-701; Zernicka-Goetz, Μ (2006) Curr.0pin.Genet.Dev.16 : 406-412; Mtango, NR et al. (2008) Int.Rev.Cell.Mol.B1l.268: 223-290).

[0008] 近来所显示的是时差成像可以是观察早期胚胎发育的有用的工具。 [0008] Recently, the displayed time difference may be a useful tool for imaging embryonic development was observed.一些方法已经使用时差成像监测精子卵浆内注射(ICSI)之后的人类胚胎发育(Nagy等人(1994)HumanReproduct1n.9(9): 1743-1748 ;Payne 等人(1997)Human Reproduct1n.12:532-541)。 Human embryonic development (Nagy et following methods have been used for injection (ICSI) monitoring the time difference imaging sperm slurry al (1994) HumanReproduct1n.9 (9): 1743-1748; Payne et al. (1997) Human Reproduct1n.12: 532 -541).第3天，分析极体排出和原核形成并且与良好的形态学相关联。 On day 3, the analysis and prokaryotic polar body and the formation of a good morphology is associated.然而，没有与胚泡形成或妊娠结果有关的参数。 However, there is no parameter related to pregnancy outcomes or blastocyst formation.其他方法已经关注作为指示的第一次卵裂的开始以预测人类胚胎的成活力(Fenwick 等人(2002)Human Reproduct1n, 17:407-412 ;Lundin 等人(2001)HumanReproduct1n 16:2652-2657)。 Other methods have been concerned as an indication of the start of the first cleavage to predict the viability of human embryos (Fenwick et al (2002) Human Reproduct1n, 17: 407-412; Lundin et al (2001) HumanReproduct1n 16: 2652-2657) .然而，这些方法没有认可胞质分裂的持续时间或早期分裂之间的时间间隔的重要性。 However, these methods do not recognize the importance of the time interval between cytokinesis duration or early split.

[0009] 其他方法已经使用时差成像以测量早期胚胎发育期间细胞分裂的时机和程度(W0/2007/144001)。 [0009] Other methods have been used to measure the time difference imaging timing and extent of (W0 / 2007/144001) dividing cells during early embryonic development.然而，这些方法仅公开用于牛胚胎的时差成像的基本和一般方法，其在发育潜力、形态学表现、分子和后生程序以及转移附近的时机和参数上基本上与人类胚胎不同。 However, these methods the basic and general methods disclosed only for the time difference imaging of bovine embryos, which is substantially different in human embryonic developmental potential, morphological manifestations, molecular and epigenetic programs and close timing and transfer parameters.例如，牛胚胎与人类胚胎相比花费长得多的时间来植入(分别为30天和9天)。 For example, bovine embryos and human embryos spend a much longer time as compared to implantation (30 and 9 days, respectively).(Taft, (2008) Ther1genology69 (I): 10-16)。 (Taft, (2008) Ther1genology69 (I): 10-16).而且,没有公开可以预计人类胚胎成活力的特定的成像参数或时间间隔。 Further, no disclosure can be expected specific imaging parameters or time interval human embryonic viability.

[0010] 最近，时差成像已经被用于观察受精之后最初24小时期间的人类胚胎发育(Lemmen 等人(2008) Reproductive B1Medicine 0nlinel7 (3): 385-391)。 [0010] Human embryonic development recently, imaging has been used for the difference observed during the first 24 hours after fertilization (Lemmen et al. (2008) Reproductive B1Medicine 0nlinel7 (3): 385-391).发现首次分裂之后细胞核的同步与妊娠结果有关。 After the discovery of the nucleus of the first division synchronous associated with pregnancy outcomes.然而，这一工作得出结论早期首次卵裂不是重要的预计参数，其与之前的研究相矛盾(Fenwick等人(2002)Human Reproduct1nl7:407-412 ;Lundin 等人(2001) Human Reproduct1nl6:2652-2657)。 However, this work concluded early first cleavage is not important parameters are expected, which contradicts previous studies (Fenwick et al (2002) Human Reproduct1nl7: 407-412; Lundin et al (2001) Human Reproduct1nl6: 2652- 2657).

[0011] 最终，没有研究通过与胚胎的分子程序或胚胎的染色体组合相关联而确认成像参数。 [0011] Finally, the study did not confirm the imaging parameters associated with the program molecule embryos embryos or chromosomal combinations.因此在若干方面缺少人类胚胎评估的方法并且可通过本方法改进，其包括时差显微术的新应用、图像分析和成像参数与分子谱和染色体组合的关联性。 Thus the lack of human embryonic method in several respects and evaluated by the present method can be improved, a new application that includes the time difference correlation microscopy, image analysis, and spectral imaging with molecular and chromosomal combinations.本发明解决这些问题。 The present invention solves these problems.

[0012] CN101495619A涉及一种基于卵裂球分裂和运动的胚胎质量评估方法。 [0012] CN101495619A relates to a method for quality assessment of blastomeres based division and movement.

[0013] 发明概述 [0013] Summary of the Invention

[0014] 提供了用于确定一个或多个胚胎或一个或多个胚胎中的多潜能细胞或多潜能细胞的发育潜力的方法、组合物和试剂盒。 [0014] provides a method for determining one or more embryos or embryonic developmental potential of one or more cells in a pluripotent or multipotent cells, methods, compositions, and kits.这些方法、组合物和试剂盒在体外确定具有良好发育潜力即发育成为胚泡的能力(ability)或能力(capacity)的胚胎和卵母细胞中有用,其因此在治疗人类中的不育症的方法以及类似方法中是有用的。 These methods, compositions and kits with good developmental potential, i.e., the ability to develop into a blastocyst (Ability) or capacity (Capacity) embryos and oocytes in vitro useful in determining which thus in the treatment of infertility in humans method and similar methods are useful.

[0015] 在本发明的一些方面中，提供了用于确定胚胎或多潜能细胞的发育潜力的方法。 [0015] In some aspects of the present invention, there is provided a method for determining developmental potential of embryonic or pluripotent cells.在这些方面中，测量胚胎或多潜能细胞的一个或多个细胞参数以取得细胞参数测量结果。 In these aspects, the one or more cellular parameters measured embryonic or pluripotent cells to obtain cell parameter measurement.细胞参数之后被用于提供对所述胚胎或多潜能细胞的发育潜力的确定，所述确定可用于指导临床的行动方针。 After the cells are used to provide parameters for determining the developmental potential of the embryos or pluripotent cells, which determine the course of action it can be used to guide clinical practice.在一些实施方案中，细胞参数是通过时差显微术可测量的形态学事件。 In some embodiments, the cell parameter is measurable by the time difference microscopy morphological events.在一些实施方案中，例如，当胚胎被测定时，所述一个或多个细胞参数是:胞质分裂事件例如胞质分裂I的持续时间；胞质分裂I和胞质分裂2之间的时间间隔和胞质分裂2和胞质分裂3之间的时间间隔。 In some embodiments, e.g., when the embryo is measured, the one or more cell parameters are: cytokinesis cytokinesis duration events such as I; I and cytokinesis cytokinesis time between 2 spacing and cytokinesis 2 and cytokinesis time interval between 3.在某些实施方案中，细胞周期I的持续时间也用作细胞参数。 In certain embodiments, the duration of the cell cycle I is also used as a cell parameter.在一些实施方案中，细胞参数测量结果通过将其与来自参考胚胎的可比较的细胞参数测量结果相比较并且使用这一比较的结果来提供所述胚胎发育潜力的确定来使用。 In some embodiments, the cell parameter measurements by comparing it with a reference from the embryo cell parameter measurements and comparing the result of this comparison is used to provide a determination of the potential use of embryonic development.在一些实施方案中，胚胎是人类胚胎。 In some embodiments, the embryo is a human embryo.在一些实施方案中，细胞参数是被测量以取得基因表达测量结果的基因表达水平。 In some embodiments, the cell parameter is measured to obtain the gene expression levels of gene expression measurements.在一些实施方案中，基因表达测量结果通过将其与来自参考多潜能细胞或胚胎或来自其的一个或多个细胞的基因表达测量结果相比较来使用，其中这一比较的结果被用来提供所述多潜能细胞或胚胎的发育潜力的确定。 In some embodiments, the measurement results of gene expression from a reference by which the embryo or pluripotent cells or from one or more cells of its gene expression measurements comparing use, wherein the result of this comparison is used to provide the pluripotent cells, or determining the developmental potential of embryos.在一些实施方案中，所述胚胎是人类胚胎。 In some embodiments, the embryo is a human embryo.

[0016] 在本发明的一些方面中，提供用于将胚胎或多潜能细胞按照它们相对于组中其他胚胎或多潜能细胞的发育潜力分级的方法。 [0016] In some aspects of the present invention, there is provided for embryonic or pluripotent cells according to the method set their developmental potential of other embryonic or pluripotent cells fractionated with respect.在这些实施方案中，测量所述组中的所述胚胎或多潜能细胞的一个或多个细胞参数以取得所述胚胎或多潜能细胞的每一个的细胞参数测量结果。 In these embodiments, one embryo or pluripotent cells or measuring the set of parameters to obtain a plurality of cells each cell parameters of a measurement result of the embryonic or pluripotent cells.之后将所述细胞参数测量结果用于确定所述组中所述胚胎或多潜能细胞的每一个相对于彼此的发育潜力，所述确定可用于指导临床的行动方针。 After the cells the parameter set of measurements for determining said embryonic or pluripotent cells with respect to each of the developmental potential to each other, may be used for the determination of clinical action.在一些实施方案中，细胞参数是通过时差显微术可测量的形态学事件。 In some embodiments, the cell parameter is measurable by the time difference microscopy morphological events.在一些实施方案中，例如当胚胎被分级时，一个或多个细胞参数是胞质分裂事件例如胞质分裂I的持续时间；胞质分裂I和胞质分裂2之间的时间间隔和胞质分裂2和胞质分裂3之间的时间间隔。 In some embodiments, for example, when embryos are graded, the one or more cellular parameters are cytokinesis cytokinesis duration events such as I; I and cytokinesis cytokinesis time interval between 2 and cytoplasmic division 2 and the time interval between cytokinesis 3.在某些实施方案中，细胞周期I的持续时间也被测量。 In certain embodiments, the duration of the cell cycle I is also measured.在一些实施方案中，细胞参数是一个或多个基因的表达水平。 In some embodiments, the cell parameter is the level of expression of one or more genes.在一些实施方案中，一个或多个细胞参数测量结果通过将来自所述组中的所述胚胎或多潜能细胞中的每一个的所述细胞参数测量结果彼此比较以确定所述胚胎或多潜能细胞相对于彼此的发育潜力。 In some embodiments, the one or more cell parameters of the measurement results from each of the embryo parameter measurements in the cell potential of the cell group to one another or to determine the embryo or pluripotent cell developmental potential relative to each other.在一些实施方案中，所述一个或多个细胞参数测量结果通过将每个细胞参数测量结果与来自参考胚胎或多潜能细胞的细胞参数测量结果相比较以确定来自每个胚胎或多潜能细胞的发育潜力并且将这些发育潜力相比较以确定所述胚胎或多潜能细胞相对于彼此的发育潜力来使用。 In some embodiments, the one or more cell parameters of the measurements by each measurement cell parameter compared with the reference parameter measurement results from embryonic cells or pluripotent cells from each embryo to determine or pluripotent cells developmental potential and comparing these to determine the developmental potential of embryonic or pluripotent cells with the potential to be used in the development of each other.

[0017] 在本发明的一些方面中，提供用于为辅助生殖(IVF)提供用于向雌性动物转移的具有良好发育潜力的胚胎的方法。 [0017] In some aspects of the present invention, there is provided for transferring the embryo to provide females have good developmental potential of assisted reproduction (IVF) method is used.在这些方面中，在对于胚胎发育来说充足的条件下培养一个或多个胚胎。 In these aspects, one or more embryos cultured in embryonic development is sufficient for the conditions.之后在所述一个或多个胚胎中测量一个或多个细胞参数以取得细胞参数测量结果。 After measuring one or more cellular parameters in the one or more embryos to obtain cell parameter measurement.之后将所述细胞参数测量结果用于提供所述一个或多个胚胎的发育潜力的确定。 After the measurements for determining cell parameters providing the one or more embryo developmental potential.证实良好发育潜力的一个或多个胚胎之后被转移至雌性动物中。 After one or more developmental potential of embryonic proved to work well it is transferred to the female animals.

[0018] 附图简述 [0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0019] 当结合所附附图阅读时，从下列详细描述最好地理解本发明。 [0019] When read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the present invention is best understood from the following detailed description.强调的是，根据惯例，附图的不同特征是不按比例的。 It is emphasized that, according to common practice, various features of the drawings are not to scale.相反，为了清楚不同特征的直径是任意放大或缩小的。 Instead, different diameters for clarity features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced.附图包括下列各图。 The drawings include the following figures.

[0021] 图2显示6天的时间段的细胞卵裂和分裂的一系列照片。 [0021] Figure 2 shows cell division and cleavage of a series of photographs of the period of six days.图像被标明第I天至第6天。 Image is indicated on day I to day 6.比例尺代表50 μ m。 Representative dimensions 50 μ m.

[0022] 图3是显示从I细胞胚胎(合子)成功发育为胚泡的百分比的柱状图。 [0022] FIG. 3 is a graph showing the I-cell embryos (zygotes) developed into blastocysts successfully percentage histogram.4个不同实验的过程中，通过时差显微术观察总共100个胚胎直到第5天或第6天。 Process 4 different experiments, the time difference by microscopy to observe a total of 100 embryos until day 5 or day 6.显示了达到每个标明的阶段(8细胞、4至7细胞、2至3细胞和I细胞)的细胞的百分比。 Shows (, 8 cells 4 to 7 cells, 2-3 cells, and cell I) to reach the percentage of cells in each stage indicated.

[0023] 图4是为了标明的时期而关注的一系列三个不同的胚胎(顶部、中部和底部箭头)。 [0023] FIG. 4 is a concern for the period indicated in a series of three different embryos (top, middle and bottom arrow).

[0024] 图5是显示用于本评估的阶段之间的时差的图表，包括第一次胞质分裂的持续时间，第一次和第二次分裂之间的时间(测量为胞质分裂I的结束和胞质分裂2的开始之间的时间间隔)以及第二次和第三次有丝分裂之间的时间(测量为胞质分裂2的起始和胞质分裂3的起始之间的时间间隔)。 [0024] FIG. 5 is a graph of the difference between the phase of the evaluation, including the duration of the first cytokinesis, the time (measured between the first and second split cytokinesis I the time between the end and cytokinesis time interval between the start of two) and a second and third time between mitosis (cytokinesis measured as the initial split and cytokinesis 2 starting 3 interval).

[0025] 图6是显示一大组胚胎的三个事件的测量的3-D点图，包括第一次胞质分裂的持续时间，第一次和第二次细胞分裂之间的时间间隔(测量为胞质分裂I的结束和胞质分裂2的开始之间的时间间隔)以及第二次细胞和第三次细胞分裂之间的时间间隔(测量为胞质分裂2的起始和胞质分裂3的起始之间的时间间隔)。 [0025] FIG. 6 is a 3-D view of a large set of measurement points of three events embryos, including the duration of the first cytokinesis, the time interval between the first and second cell divisions ( I cytokinesis measured as the time between the end and the beginning of cytokinesis 2 interval) and the time interval between the second cell and third cell division (cytokinesis measured as start and cytokinesis 2 disintegration time interval between the start 3).达到胚泡阶段的胚胎(用圆环标记)显示在3-D图上聚集在一起，而在达到胚泡前停滞的胚胎(用X标记)分散各处。 Embryos reached (with annular marks) displayed together on a 3-D of FIG blastocyst stage, and before reaching the blastocyst scattered throughout arrested embryos (marked by X).

[0027] 图8是显示来自6个停滞的I至2细胞胚胎和5个正常的I至2细胞胚胎的52个基因的基因表达水平的雷达图表。 [0027] FIG. 8 is a graph showing the expression level of the gene I to 2-cell embryos from six and five normal stagnant I to 52 2-cell embryos genes radar charts.如通过曼-惠特尼检验所确定的，正常和不正常胚胎之间的表达水平上的差异对于以黄色加亮并且用星号指示的那些基因来说是统计学上显著的。 As determined by Mann - Whitney test is determined, differences in expression levels between normal and abnormal embryos was statistically significant for those genes highlighted in yellow and is indicated by an asterisk.

[0028] 图9是显示停滞的2细胞胚胎和正常的2细胞胚胎中不同基因的表达水平的柱状图。 [0028] FIG. 9 is a graph showing the expression levels of different genes arrest cells in embryos and 2 normal 2-cell embryos histogram.顶部显示停滞的2细胞胚胎的选择数量的时差图像。 Shown at the top of the difference image selection number 2 arrest cell embryos.

[0029] 图10是显示图9中在停滞的4细胞胚胎和正常的4细胞胚胎中存在的相同基因的比较的柱状图。 [0029] FIG. 10 is a bar graph comparing the same gene is shown in FIG. 9 in the presence of stagnant cell embryos and 4 normal 4-cell embryos.顶部显示停滞的4细胞胚胎的选择数量的时差图像。 Shown at the top of the difference image selection number 4 arrest cell embryo.

[0030] 图11是显示具有4个不同模式的基因表达模式(ESSP)的一系列柱状图。 [0030] FIG. 11 is a bar graph having a series of four different patterns of gene expression patterns (ESSP) a.标明的是胚胎基因活化(第2天)和第3天的典型表达之前的早期转移的时机。 Gene activation is indicated embryos before the transfer time typical of early expression (2 days) and 3 days.

[0031] 图12显示来自不同阶段的单个卵裂球的基因的基因表达。 [0031] Figure 12 shows gene expression of genes from single blastomeres different stages.㈧来自标绘在不同细胞时期的单个卵裂球的两个基因CTNNBl和CDX2的基因表达以及在不同阶段例如2细胞、3细胞、桑椹胚和胚泡这些基因表达水平上的变化。 (Viii) two genes from CTNNBl plotted at different times of the cell and single blastomeres and CDX2 gene expression, cell 3, cell 2 changes the morula and blastocyst expression levels of these genes, for example, at different stages.(B)柱状的基因表达标记代表与来自合子程序的基因表达比较的母体程序中的基因表达。 Gene expression parent program (B) representative of gene expression of marker gene expression compared with the columnar program from the zygote in.

[0032] 图13是用于使用时差图像分析和有关的分子分析测定胚胎成活力的模型的图。 [0032] FIG. 13 is a time difference using image analysis and molecular analysis diagram relating to the measurement model of embryonic viability.

[0033] 图14是显示体外卵母细胞成熟过程中发育的三个阶段的一系列照片。 [0033] FIG. 14 is a graph showing three stages in vitro oocyte maturation and development of a series of photographs.

[0034] 图15是显示体外卵母细胞成熟后胚胎发育的过程的一系列照片。 [0034] FIG. 15 is a series of photographs of the process of oocyte maturation in vitro embryo development.

[0035] 图16是显示用于测定卵母细胞的程序的流程图。 [0035] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a program for determination of oocytes display.

[0036] 图17是显示用于测定干细胞和多潜能干细胞的程序的流程图。 [0036] FIG 17 is a flowchart showing determination of stem cells and pluripotent stem cells for the program.

[0037] 图18是显示诱导的多潜能干细胞分化为神经元玫瑰花状簇(rosette)的过程的一系列照片。 A series of photographs [0037] FIG. 18 is a graph showing an induced pluripotent stem cells into neurons rosettes (Rosette) process.

[0038] 图19是测定表达水平的基因可被分类的类别的表，包括每类别基因的数目。 [0038] FIG. 19 is measured gene expression level can be classified category table, including the number of each type gene.

[0039] 图20是在141个正常发育的胚胎和单个卵裂球的基因表达分析中确定的四个胚胎期特异模式(ESSP)和将所述基因分类至这些类别中的每一个的表。 [0039] FIG. 20 is determined by the gene expression analysis 141 and the normal development of embryos of four single blastomeres embryonic Specific Mode (ESSP) and the gene classifier to each of the tables of these categories.

[0040] 图21显示证明成像参数预测胚泡形成的能力的自动图像分析。 [0040] FIG. 21 shows the ability of the automated image analysis demonstrated blastocyst formation parameter prediction image.(A)显示单个胚胎的跟踪算法的结果。 (A) shows the results of a single embryo tracking algorithm.(B)显示被分析的一组14个胚胎。 (B) shows a set of 14 embryos were analyzed.(C)显示对胞质分裂的持续时间以及第一次和第二次有丝分裂之间的时间的手动图像分析与自动分析的比较。 (C) shows the duration of cytokinesis and manual image analysis comparing the first and second time between mitosis and automatic analysis.(D)显示良好胚泡形态学和不良胚泡形态学的比较。 (D) shows a comparison of good and bad blastocyst embryo morphology morphology.

[0041] 图22是根据本发明的暗视野显微镜的概要图；左边的插图显示激光加工的暗视野片装置。 [0041] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of a dark field microscope according to the present invention; left illustration shows a dark-field laser processing apparatus of sheets.

[0042] 图23是如图22中所描述的三个显微镜的阵列的照片，装载在支架上以便安装在孵育器中并用与电脑连接。 [0042] FIG. 23 is a photograph of an array of three microscope depicted in Figure 22, mounted on the frame for mounting and use in a computer connected to the incubator.图23A显示显微镜而图23B显示显微镜内部孵育器。 23A shows a microscope while Figure 23B shows the internal incubator microscope.

[0043]图24是在本操作中使用的图像捕获软件的屏幕截图，显示从3个通道成像的胚月台。 [0043] FIG. 24 is a screen shot of the image capture software used in the operation, the display platform 3 from embryos imaging channels.

[0044] 图25A至D是显示来自实验2，位置2的所选择的时差图像的一系列四张照片。 [0044] FIGS. 25A to D are a series of four photographs from experiment 2, the difference image selected location 2.图25A和25B是在培养基更换前捕获的图像而图25C和2®是在培养基更换后捕获的图像。 25A and 25B are images captured prior to medium exchange and 25C and FIGS 2® after medium exchange are captured image.

[0045] 图26A和B是显示正常和不正常胚胎的细胞活性的图表(左)和照片(右)。 [0045] FIGS. 26A and B cell activity is a graph showing normal and abnormal embryos (left) and a photograph (right).图26A和26B —起显示在第3天胚胎具有相似的形态学但是它们的细胞活性曲线图却完全不同并且它们中仅一个发育为胚泡。 26A and 26B - exhibit similar morphology from day 3 embryos, but their activity is completely different cells graph and only one of them develop into blastocysts.

[0047] 图28A和B是显示具有和不具有前期图像配准的细胞活性的图表。 [0047] FIGS 28A and B are shown with and without the pre-cell activity graph image registration.图28A和28B一起显示配准净化了结果并且除去归因于胚胎移位或旋转的峰。 28A and 28B show the results of purification with registration and removal of the peak due to shift or rotate the embryo.

[0048] 图29A和B是显示正常和不正常胚胎的细胞活性的图表(左)和细胞照片(右)。 [0048] FIGS. 29A and B cell activity is a graph showing normal and abnormal embryos (left) and photo cells (right).图29A和图29B—起显示在第三天胚胎具有相似的形态学但是它们的细胞活性曲线图却完全不同并且它们中仅一个发育为胚泡。 29A and 29B- exhibit similar morphology from the third day embryos, but their activity is completely different cells graph and only one of them develop into blastocysts.

[0049] 图30是显示胚胎发育期间连续成对图像之间的像素强度的差异的图表。 [0049] FIG. 30 is a graph showing successive pixel intensity differences between pairs of images during embryonic development.这可被独立使用以测定胚胎成活力或作为通过确定应当使用多少粒子(预测的胚胎模型)改善其他算法例如粒子滤波器的方法。 This assay can be used independently or as embryonic viability by determining how many particles (predicted embryo model) method of improving other algorithms, such as the particle filter should be used.

[0050] 图31A-G是显示不同细胞阶段的来自2D跟踪的结果的一系列七张照片。 [0050] FIGS. 31A-G are a series of photographs showing the results of seven different from the 2D tracking cell stage.细胞过程通过与每个照片对相关联的帧序号标明:15帧(图31A) ,45(B)、48 (C)、189 (D)、190 (E)、196(F)和234(G)。 Cellular processes associated frame number indicated by each of the photographs: 15 (FIG. 31A), 45 (B), 48 (C), 189 (D), 190 (E), 196 (F) and 234 (G ).底部箭头显示所覆盖的模拟图像。 Bottom row shows the analog image covered.轮廓是可见的细胞膜而白色虚线是闭塞的膜。 Profile is visible while the white dotted line is occluded membrane film.每5分钟捕获图像帧并且仅展示了一些。 Every 5 minutes and the captured image shows only a few frames.

[0051] 图32A和B是显示3D细胞跟踪的两个成功实例的一系列照片和图。 [0051] FIGS 32A and B are a series of photographs and two successful example of a 3D cell tracking.在胚胎的每张照片下的说明显示3D模型的俯视图，除了帧314和帧228，其分别在帧314和帧228中显示模型的侧视图。 In the description of each photograph shows a top view of the embryo 3D model, in addition to frame 314 and frame 228, respectively, a side view of the model shown in frames 314 and 228 in the frame.每5分钟捕获图像帧。 Captured image frame every 5 minutes.

[0052] 图33是I细胞至2细胞分裂的粒子滤波器结果的图解表示。 Illustrates [0052] FIG 33 is an I-2 cells to cell division indicating the result of the particle filter.数据点是细胞中心的3D定位。 3D pointing data point is the center of the cell.点显示I细胞模型、2细胞模型、3细胞模型和4细胞模型。 I dot display cell model, two cell model, and the model 3 cell 4 cell model.顶部箭头显示预测之后的粒子而底部箭头显示重采样之后的粒子。 The arrows show the top and the bottom arrow particles after prediction display particles after resampling.

[0053] 图34A和B是显示对一组14个胚胎的自动与手动分析的对比的图表。 [0053] FIGS 34A and B are automatically displayed on a graph with a set of 14 embryos contrast to manual analysis.图34A显示第一次胞质分裂的持续时间的对比而图34B显示第一次和第二次有丝分裂之间的时间的对比。 FIG. 34A shows a comparison of the duration of first cytokinesis and 34B shows the first and second contrasting time between mitosis.

[0054] 图35是显示图像分析如何被用于模型胚胎并且测量某些形态学参数的流程图。 [0054] FIG. 35 is a graph showing how the model is used for image analysis and flow diagram illustrating certain embryo morphological parameters measured.

[0055] 发明详述 [0055] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] 在描述本方法和组合物之前，应当理解的是，本发明不限于所描述的具体方法和组合物，因为这些当然可以变化。 [0056] Before describing the present methods and compositions, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the described specific methods and compositions, as these of course, vary.还应当理解的是，在本文使用的术语仅用于描述特定实施方案的目的，而不意为限制性的，因为本发明的范围将仅由所附的权利要求限定 It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is used only for the purpose of describing particular embodiments, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims

[0057] 当提供数值的范围时，应当理解的是，在所述范围的上限和下限之间的每个中间值(自到所述下限的单位的十分之一，除上下文以其他方式明确地说明以外)也被特别地公开。 [0057] When providing a range of values, should be understood that, in each tenth of an intermediate value between the upper and lower limits of the range (from the unit to the lower limit, unless the context otherwise expressly illustrate outside) it is also specifically disclosed.在指定的范围内的任何指定的值或中间值与在该指定的范围内任何其它指定的值或中间值之间的每个更小的范围包含于本发明的范围内。 Any specific values ​​or intermediate values ​​within the specified range and in the designated range of each smaller range between any other designated values ​​or intermediate values ​​included within the scope of the present invention.这些更小的范围的上限和下限可以独立地包括或排除在所述更小的范围之内，任一、无一或两个限值包括在所述更小的范围之内时的每个范围也包含本发明的范围内，并受在所指定的范围内特别排除任何值的限制。 Each smaller range of these upper and lower ranges may independently be included or excluded in the smaller ranges, any one, or none of the two limit values ​​included within a smaller range when also included within the scope of the present invention, and is subject to any specifically excluded limit value within the range specified.当指定的范围包括两个限值之一或两者时，排除了所包括的限值之一或两者的范围也包括在本发明的范围之内。 When the stated range includes one or both of the two time limits, ranges excluding either or both of the limits, one also included within the scope of the invention.

[0058] 除另外定义以外，本文使用的所有技术术语和科学术语与本发明所属技术领域普通技术人员通常所理解的含义相同。 [0058] except defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the meaning of the present invention is the art of ordinary skill in the art as commonly understood same.尽管类似于或等同于在本文描述的那些的任何方法和材料可以用于本发明的实践或试验，但现在描述了一些可能的和优选的方法和材料。 Although any similar or equivalent methods and materials to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention are now described some potential and preferred methods and materials.在本文中提及的所有出版物通过引用并入本文以公开和描述与所述出版物所引用的相关的方法和/或材料。 Related methods All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the publications are cited and / or materials.应当理解的是，当存在矛盾时，本公开内容替代所并入的出版物的任何公开。 It will be appreciated that, when there is conflict, the present disclosure any disclosure of an incorporated publication alternative.

[0059] 必须注意的是，如在本文和在附随的权利要求中使用的，除上下文中以其他方式明确说明以外，单数形式“一(a)”、“一(an)”和“该(the) ”，包括复数的指称对象。 [0059] It must be noted that, as outside herein and, unless the context clearly instructions in the accompanying claims otherwise, the singular forms "a (A)", "a (AN)" and "the ( the) ", include plural referents.因此，例如，提及“一个细胞”包括多个这样的细胞，提及“该肽”包括提及一种或多种肽和本领域技术人员已知的其等价物，例如多肽，等等。 Thus, for example, reference to "a cell" includes a plurality of such cells and reference to "the peptide" includes reference to one or more peptides known to those skilled in and equivalents thereof, such as polypeptides, and the like.

[0060] 本文讨论的出版物仅为了其在本申请提交日之前的公开而提供。 [0060] The publications discussed herein solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of this application are provided.此处不应解释为承认本发明没有权利凭借在先发明而先于上述出版物。 Herein should not be construed as an admission that the present invention is not claimed by virtue of prior invention antedate the publications mentioned above.此外，所提供的出版物的日期可能不同于实际的出版日期，其可能需要被各自确认。 Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates, which may need to be confirmed each.

[0061] 定义 [0061] defined

[0062] 提供了用于确定一个或多个胚胎或多潜能细胞的发育潜力和/或一个或多个胚胎或多潜能细胞中染色体异常的存在的方法、组合物和试剂盒。 [0062] provides a method for determining one or more potential embryo or pluripotent cell development and / or one or more embryos or pluripotent cells, a chromosomal abnormality existing methods, compositions, and kits.这些方法、组合物和试剂盒在体外确定在治疗人类中的不育症中最有用的胚胎和卵母细胞中有用。 These methods, compositions and kits of the most useful in the treatment of infertility in human embryos and oocytes in vitro useful determined.本发明的这些和其他的对象、优点和特征对本领域那些技术人员来说在阅读如下文更加全面地描述的主题方法和组合物的细节时变得显而易见。 These and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the details relating to the method described more fully below and compositions to those skilled in the art.

[0063] 术语“发育潜力”和“发育感受态”被用于本文意指健康胚胎或多潜能细胞生长或发育的能力(ability)或能力(capacity)。 [0063] The term "developmental potential" and "development of competent" is used herein to mean healthy embryos or pluripotent cell growth or ability (Ability) or developmental ability (capacity).

[0064] 术语“胚胎”本文被用于意指当两个单倍体配子细胞例如未受精的次级卵母细胞和精子结合以形成二倍体全能细胞例如合子时形成的合子和由紧接随后的直到桑椹胚即16细胞阶段和胚泡阶段的细胞分裂例如胚胎卵裂(分化的滋养外胚层和内细胞团)产生的胚胎两者。 [0064] The term "embryo" is used herein means that when two haploid gamete cells such as unfertilized secondary oocyte and sperm to form a zygote diploid totipotent cell zygote formed when, for example, and by the immediately i.e. until the subsequent 16-cell stage morulae and blastocyst stage embryos embryo Development in both cell division (differentiated trophectoderm and inner cell mass), for example, produced.

[0065] 术语“多潜能细胞”本文被用于意指具有分化为生物体中多种类型的细胞的能力的任何细胞。 [0065] The term "pluripotent cells" is used herein to mean having the ability to differentiate into any cell in the plurality of types of organism cells.多潜能细胞的实例包括干细胞卵母细胞和I细胞胚胎(即合子)。 Examples of cells include pluripotent stem cell oocyte and embryonic cell I (i.e. zygotes).

[0066] 术语“干细胞”本文被用于意指细胞或细胞群，其:(a)具有自我更新的能力和(b)具有产生不同的分化的细胞类型的潜力。 [0066] The term "stem cell" is used herein to mean a cell or population of cells, which: (a) having the ability to self-renewal and (b) producing cells having different types of differentiation potential.通常，干细胞具有产生多重谱系的细胞的潜力。 Generally, stem cells have the potential to generate multiple cell lineages.如本文所用的，干细胞可以是全能干细胞，例如受精的卵母细胞，其产生生物体的所有的胚胎和胚外组织；多潜能干细胞，例如胚胎干(ES)细胞，胚胎胚(EG)细胞或诱导的多潜能干(iPS)细胞，其产生生物体的所有胚胎组织，即内胚层、中胚层和外胚层谱系；多能干细胞，例如间质干细胞，其产生生物体的胚胎组织中的至少两种，即，内胚层、中胚层和外胚层谱系中的至少两种或其可以是组织特异性干细胞，其产生特定组织的多种类型的分化细胞。 As used herein, stem cells may be totipotent stem cells, such as fertilized oocytes, which give rise to all embryonic and extraembryonic tissues of an organism; pluripotent stem cells, such as embryonic stem (ES) cells, embryonic germ (EG) cells, or induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, which give rise to all embryonic tissues of an organism, i.e., endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm lineage; pluripotent stem cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells, which produce embryonic tissues of an organism of at least two species, i.e., endoderm, mesoderm and at least two of ectodermal lineages, or may be tissue-specific stem cells that produce a variety of types of differentiated cells of a specific tissue.组织特异性干细胞包括产生特定组织的细胞的组织特异性胚胎细胞和位于成年组织中并且可产生这一组织的细胞的体干细胞，例如产生中枢神经系统的所有细胞的神经干细胞、产生骨骼肌的卫星细胞和产生造血系统的所有细胞的造血干细胞。 Tissue-specific stem cells include cells that produce a particular tissue and tissue-specific embryonic cells and adult tissues located stem cells can generate cells of the tissue, such as neural stem cells to generate all the cells of the central nervous system, skeletal muscle satellite produced and all cell produces hematopoietic stem cells of the hematopoietic system.

[0067] 术语“卵母细胞”本文被用于意指未受精的雌性卵母细胞或配子。 [0067] female oocytes term "oocyte" as used herein is used to mean an unfertilized or gametes.本申请的卵母细胞可以是初级卵母细胞，在这种情况下它们被放置通过或正在通过减数分裂I，或次级卵母细胞，在这种情况下它们被放置通过或正在通过减数分裂II。 Oocytes present disclosure may be primary oocytes, in which case they are being placed by or through meiosis I, or the secondary oocyte, in which case they are or by being placed by subtracting the number of division II.

[0068] “减数分裂”意指导致配子产生的细胞周期事件。 [0068] "meiosis" means lead to cell cycle events gametes produced.在第一次减数分裂细胞周期或减数分裂I中，细胞的染色体被复制并且分至两个子细胞中。 In the first meiotic cell cycle or meiosis I, and the chromosome of the cell is copied to two daughter cells.之后这些子细胞在并未伴随DNA合成的第二次减数分裂细胞周期或减数分裂II中分离，产生具有单倍体数的染色体的配子。 These daughter cells after separation is not accompanied by DNA synthesis or cell cycle of the second meiotic division II of meiosis, producing haploid gametes having a number of chromosomes.

[0069] “生发泡”阶段意指与减数分裂I细胞周期的前期I有关的初级卵母细胞的成熟的阶段，即在核质的第一次分裂之前。 [0069] Early "vesicle" means a Phase I cell cycle stage of meiotic maturation of oocytes of primary I related, i.e. before the first division of the nuclear mass.这一时期的卵母细胞也称为“生发泡卵母细胞”，因为特有地巨大细胞核，称为生发泡。 Oocytes this period is also referred to as "germinal vesicle oocytes", because the uniquely great nucleus, called germinal vesicle.在体外培养的正常的人类卵母细胞中，生发泡在成熟开始后约6-24小时发生。 In cultured normal human oocytes, germinal vesicle occurs about 6-24 hours after the start maturation.

[0071] “中期II”阶段意指与减数分裂II细胞周期的中期II有关的次级卵母细胞的成熟的阶段。 [0071] "mid-II" means the mature stage and the intermediate stage of the cell cycle of meiosis II II related secondary oocytes.中期II是可通过第一极体的排出辨别的。 Metaphase II is distinguished by the discharge of the first polar body.在体外培养的正常的人类卵母细胞中，中期II在成熟开始后约24-48小时发生。 In cultured normal human oocytes in metaphase II occurs about 24-48 hours post maturation begins.

[0072] “有丝分裂细胞周期”意指细胞中导致细胞的染色体的复制以及将这些染色体和细胞的细胞质分至两个子细胞中的事件。 [0072] "mitotic cell cycle" means cells resulting in chromosomal replication of cells and chromosomes and the cytoplasm of these cells to the event two daughter cells.有丝分裂细胞周期分为两个时期:分裂间期和有丝分裂。 Mitotic cell cycle is divided into two periods: interphase and mitosis.在分裂间期，细胞生长并且复制其DNA。 In interphase, cells grow and replicate its DNA.在有丝分裂中，细胞起始并且完成细胞分裂，首先分隔其核质并且之后将其胞质和其分隔的核质(胞质分裂)分到两个分离的细胞中。 Split mitosis, the cell start and cell division is completed, it is first separated and thereafter the nuclear mass and its cytoplasmic thereof separated nucleoplasm (cytokinesis) into two separate cells.

[0073] “第一次有丝分裂细胞周期”或“细胞周期I”意指从受精至第一次胞质分裂事件即受精的卵母细胞分裂为两个子细胞的时间间隔。 [0073] "first mitotic cell cycle" means a cytoplasmic division event or fertilized oocyte i.e., the first division, "Cell Cycle I" from fertilization to two daughter cells of the time interval.在卵母细胞被体外受精的实例中，注射人绒毛膜促性腺激素(HCG)(通常在卵母细胞提取前施用)至第一次胞质分裂时间完成之间的时间间隔可用作替代的时间间隔。 Examples of oocytes in vitro fertilization, the injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (of HCG) (usually administered prior to oocyte extracts) to the first cytokinesis time between the completion interval can be used as an alternative time interval.

[0074] “第二次有丝分裂细胞周期”或“细胞周期2”意指在胚胎中观察到的第二次细胞周期事件，通过有丝分裂从受精的卵母细胞产生子细胞和通过有丝分裂从这些子细胞中的一个(“前导子细胞”或子细胞A)的产生第一组第三代细胞(granddaughter cell)之间的时间间隔，当完成细胞周期2时，胚胎由3个细胞组成。 [0074] "Second mitotic cell cycle" or "cell cycle 2" means that the second cell cycle events observed in the embryo, to generate daughter cells from the fertilized oocyte by mitosis and through mitosis from these daughter cells one ( "leading daughter cell" or sub-cell a) generating a first set of time interval between the third passage cells (granddaughter cell), upon completion of the cell cycle 2, the embryo consists of 3 cells.换句话说，细胞周期2可以直观地确定为包含2细胞的胚胎和包含3细胞的胚胎之间的时间。 In other words, the cell cycle 2 can be visually determined to contain 2 cell embryo, and the embryo contains between time 3 cells.

[0075] “第三次有丝分裂细胞周期”或“细胞周期3”意指在胚胎中观察到的第三次细胞周期事件，通常是通过有丝分裂从受精的卵母细胞产生子细胞至通过有丝分裂从第二子细胞中的一个(“延迟子细胞”或子细胞B)产生第二组第三代细胞时间间隔，当完成细胞周期3时，胚胎由4个细胞组成。 [0075] "Third mitotic cell cycle" or "cell cycle 3" means a third cell cycle events observed in the embryo, typically produce daughter cells from the fertilized oocyte by mitosis to split from the first through mitosis a two daughter cells ( "daughter cell delay" daughter cells or B) a second set of a third-generation cell time interval, upon completion of the cell cycle 3, the embryo consists of four cells.换句话说，细胞周期3可以直观地确定为包含3细胞的胚胎和包含4细胞的胚胎之间的时间。 In other words, the cell cycle 3 can be visually determined as the time between the embryos and embryonic cells comprising 3 comprising 4 cells.

I。 I.当第一次卵裂事件完成时，胚胎由2细胞组成。 When the first cleavage event is complete, the embryo of 2 cells.

[0077] “第二次卵裂事件”意指第二组分裂，S卩，前导子细胞分裂为两个第三代子细胞和延迟子细胞分裂为两个第三代子细胞。 [0077] "second cleavage event" means a set of a second division, S Jie, the sub-cell division leading to two daughter cells, and the third generation delay cell division into two sub-sub-cells the third generation.换句话说，第二次卵裂事件由细胞周期2和细胞周期3两者组成。 In other words, the second cleavage event by both cell cycle and cell cycle 2 3 composition.当第二次卵裂事件完成时，胚胎由4细胞组成。 When the second cleavage event is complete, the embryo consists 4 cells.

[0078] “第三次卵裂事件”意指第三组分裂，即，所有第三代子细胞的分裂。 [0078] "third cleavage event" means a third group split, ie, split all the third generation of daughter cells.当第三次卵裂事件完成时，胚胎由8细胞组成。 When the third cleavage event is complete, the embryo of eight cells.

[0079] “胞质分裂”或“细胞分裂”意指细胞经历细胞分裂的有丝分裂的时期。 [0079] "cytokinesis" or "cell division" means the cells are undergoing cell division during mitosis.换句话说，其是细胞的分隔的核质和其胞质被分开以产生两个子细胞的有丝分裂的阶段。 In other words, cells which are separated nucleoplasm and cytoplasm which is divided to produce two daughter cells mitotic stage.胞质分裂的时间段可被确定为当细胞膜的收缩(“卵裂沟”)被首次观察到时和这一收缩事件的结束即两个子细胞产生之间的时间段或窗口。 Cytokinesis time period may be determined when the contraction of the cell membrane ( "cleavage furrow") was first observed when the end of the contraction events and two daughter cells, i.e., a time period or window between.卵裂沟的起始可以直观地确定为细胞膜的曲率从凸的(向外的圆形的)变为凹的(向里弯曲具有凹痕或凹入)的点。 Starting cleavage furrow can be visually determined from the curvature of a convex membrane (having inwardly curved or concave indentations) point (a circular outwardly) becomes concave.这通过点在2个卵裂沟处的白色箭头描述于图4顶部组。 This cleavage furrow two white arrow at the top of the group described in FIG. 4 by point.细胞延长的起始同样可用于标记胞质分裂的起始，在这种情况下胞质分裂的时间段被定义为细胞延长的起始和细胞分裂的结束之间的时间段。 Elongated cells can be used to start the same numerals starting cytokinesis, cytokinesis in this case the time period is defined as the period between the start and end of cell elongation and cell division.

[0080] “第一次胞质分裂”或“胞质分裂I”意指受精之后的第一次细胞分裂事件，即受精的卵母细胞分裂以产生两个子细胞。 [0080] "first cytokinesis" or "cytokinesis I" first cell division event after fertilization means, i.e. fertilized oocyte to produce two daughter cells.第一次细胞分裂通常发生在受精后一天。 The first cell division usually occurs one day after fertilization.

[0081] “第二次胞质分裂”或“胞质分裂2”意指在胚胎中观察到的第二次细胞分裂事件，即受精的卵母细胞分裂的一个子细胞(“前导子细胞”或子代A)分裂为第一组两个第三代。 [0081] "Second cytokinesis" or "cytokinesis 2" means that a second cell division event observed in the embryo, i.e., fertilized oocyte of a sub-cells ( "cells leading substring" or progeny A) is split into a first group of two third generation.

[0082] “第三次胞质分裂”或“胞质分裂3”意指在胚胎中观察到的第三次细胞分裂事件，即受精的卵母细胞分裂的另一个子细胞(“延迟子细胞”或子代B)分裂为第二组两个第三代。 [0082] "Third cytokinesis" or "cytokinesis 3" means a third cell division event observed in the embryo, i.e., fertilized oocyte of another sub-cells ( "daughter cell delay "progeny or B) is split into a second group of two third generation.

[0083] 术语“基信标记(fiduciary marker) ”或“基准标记”在成像系统的视野领域中使用的物品，其出现在所产生的图像中，被用作参考的点或度量。 [0083] The term "fiduciary marker group (fiduciary marker)" or "reference mark" items used in the art in the field of view of the imaging system, which appears in the resultant image is used as a reference point or measure.其可以是被放置在成像对象中或之上的某物或在光学仪器的十字线中的一个或一组标记物。 Which may be placed in or on the imaged object or a thing or a set of markers in the crosshairs of the optical instrument.

[0084] 术语“微孔”是指细胞水平大小的容器，优选地提供用于接纳单个真核细胞。 [0084] The term "microporous" refers to a cell size of the horizontal container, is preferably provided for receiving a single eukaryotic cell.

_5] 感兴趣的多潜能细胞和胚胎 _5] of interest and the pluripotent embryonic cells

[0086] 在本发明的方法中，通过测量一个或多个胚胎或多潜能细胞的一个或多个细胞参数并将这些测量用于确定所述胚胎或多潜能细胞的发育潜力来测定所述胚胎或多潜能细胞的发育潜力。 [0086] In the method of the present invention, the embryo is determined by measuring the one or more cells or embryonic or pluripotent cell parameters and a plurality of these measurements for determining the developmental potential of embryonic or pluripotent cells or potential developmental potential of cells.由此产生的信息可被用于指导临床决策，例如是否转移受精的胚胎，是否植入培养的一个或多个细胞。 The resulting information can be used to guide clinical decisions, such as whether fertilized embryo transfer, whether implantation of one or more cell culture.

[0087] 可通过本发明的方法测定的胚胎的实例包括I细胞胚胎(也称为合子)、2细胞胚胎、3细胞胚胎、4细胞胚胎、5细胞胚胎、6细胞胚胎、8细胞胚胎等等，通常高达16细胞胚胎并且包括16细胞胚胎，其中的任一种可通过任何方便的方式从例如已经体内成熟的卵母细胞或已经体外成熟的卵母细胞产生。 [0087] Examples of embryo determined by the method of the invention include I-cell embryos (also called zygotes), 2-cell embryos, 3-cell embryos, 4-cell embryos, embryonic 105 cells, embryonic cells 6, 8-cell embryos and the like , typically comprises up to 16 16-cell embryos and embryonic cells, any of which may be generated by any convenient manner, for example, from the oocyte has been matured in vivo or oocytes have matured in vitro.

[0088] 可通过本发明的方法测定的多潜能细胞的实例包括全能干细胞例如卵母细胞诸如初级卵母细胞和次级卵母细胞；多潜能干细胞例如ES细胞、EG细胞、iPS细胞和类似细胞；多能细胞，例如间质干细胞和组织特异性干细胞。 [0088] Examples of pluripotent cells was determined by the method of the present invention include pluripotent stem cells, such as oocytes of primary oocyte and secondary oocyte such as; pluripotent stem cells such as ES cells, EG cells, iPS cells, and similar cells ; pluripotent cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells, and tissue-specific stem cells.它们可以来自生命的任何阶段，例如胚胎的、新生期的、少年的、成年的和任何性别，即XX或XY。 They can come from any stage of life, such as embryonic, neonatal, and juvenile and adult any sex, that is XX or XY.

[0089] 胚胎和多潜能细胞可来源于任何生物体，例如任何哺乳细胞种类例如人类、灵长类动物、马科动物、牛科动物、猪科动物、犬科动物、猫科动物等。 [0089] embryonic and pluripotent cells can be derived from any organism, such as any mammalian cell types such as human, primate, equine, bovine, porcine, canine, feline and so on.优选地，它们来源于人类。 Preferably, they are derived from human.它们可以是之前被冷冻的，例如，I细胞阶段的冷冻保存并且之后解冻的胚胎或冷冻并解冻的卵母细胞和干细胞。 They may be frozen prior, e.g., stage I cells cryopreserved and then thawed and frozen thawed embryos or oocytes, and stem cells.可选择地，它们可以是新鲜制备的，例如，通过体外受精技术从卵母细胞新鲜制备的胚胎；通过体外成熟技术新鲜采集和/或新鲜成熟或者来源于体外分化为生殖细胞并且成熟为卵母细胞的多潜能干细胞的卵母细胞；通过本领域已知的方法从组织的解离和培养新鲜制备的干细胞以及类似细胞。 Alternatively, they may be freshly prepared, e.g., by IVF embryos from freshly prepared oocyte; maturation in vitro by techniques freshly collected and / or from a fresh, ripe or differentiation of germ cells and in vitro maturation of oocytes pluripotent stem cell oocyte cells; and culturing stem cells from the freshly prepared solutions of similar cells and tissue from methods known in the art.它们可在本领域中已知的任何适合的条件下培养以促进有待被测定的样品的存活、生长和/或发育，例如对于胚胎，在例如体外受精领域中所用的那些的条件下；参见例如美国专利第6，610，543号、美国专利第6，130, 086号、美国专利第5，837，543号，其公开内容通过引用并入本文；对于卵母细胞，在例如本领域中所用的以促进卵母细胞成熟的那些的条件下；参见例如美国专利第5，882，928号和美国专利第6，281，013号，其公开内容通过引用并入本文；对于干细胞，在例如本领域中所用的以促进增殖的那些的条件下；参见例如美国专利第6，777，233号、美国专利第7037892号、美国专利第7, 029，913号、美国专利第5，843，780号和美国专利第6，200，806号、美国专利申请第2009/0047263号、美国专利申请第2009/0068742号，其公开内容通过弓I用并入本文。 Any suitable culture conditions which may be known in the art to promote the survival of the sample is to be measured, the growth and / or development, embryonic, under those conditions used in the field of in vitro fertilization, for example, for example; see, e.g. U.S. Patent No. 6,610,543, U.S. Patent No. 6,130, 086, U.S. Patent No. 5,837,543, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; oocyte, for example, used in this art those to promote oocyte maturation conditions; see for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,882,928 and U.S. Patent No. 6,281,013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; for the stem cells, for example, in the present see, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 6,777,233, U.S. Pat. No. 7,037,892, U.S. Patent No. 7, No. 029,913, U.S. Pat. No. 5,843,780; used in the field under those conditions to promote proliferation and U.S. Patent No. 6,200,806, U.S. Patent application No. 2009/0047263, U.S. Patent application No. 2009/0068742, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by I bow.通常，胚胎/多潜能细胞在配合所测定的特定胚胎/多潜能细胞的需要已经补充了血清或血清物质、氨基酸和生长因子的商业上可得的培养基例如KnockOut DMEM、DMEM-F12或Iscoves改良杜尔贝可培养基中培养。 Typically, the embryo / pluripotent embryonic cells require specific mating measured / pluripotent cells have been supplemented with serum or serum substances, amino acids and media for growth factors commercially available, for example, KnockOut DMEM, DMEM-F12 or Iscoves modified Dulbecco culture medium.

[0090] 时差成像分析 [0090] The difference image analysis

[0091] 在一些实施方案中，胚胎/多潜能细胞通过经由时差成像测量细胞参数来测定。 [0091] In some embodiments, the embryo / pluripotent cells determined by measuring the time difference via a parameter cell imaging.胚胎/多潜能细胞可在标准培养皿中培养。 Embryo / pluripotent cells may be cultured in a standard petri dish.可选择地胚胎/多潜能细胞可在定制培养皿例如具有如本文描述的光学品质的微孔的定制培养皿中培养。 Alternatively, embryo / pluripotent cells may be cultured in a petri dish for example, a custom dish customized optical quality microporous as described herein in.在这些定制培养皿中，每个微孔装有一个单个的胚胎/多潜能细胞并且每个微孔的底部表面具有光学品质光洁度以致单个皿中的整组胚胎可通过具有足够分辨率的单个小型显微镜同时成像以跟随细胞有丝分裂过程。 In these custom culture dishes, each well containing a single embryo / pluripotent cells and the bottom surface of each well has an optical quality finish so that the entire group of single dish with a single embryo may be small with sufficient resolution simultaneous imaging microscopy to follow the cell during mitosis.整组的微孔共享培养皿中同一个培养基滴头(drop)并且还可包括放置在微孔周围的用于稳定培养基滴头的外部孔以及邻近微孔放置的基准标记物。 Microporous complete set of shared dish in the same media drop (drop) and may also include a microporous holes disposed around the outer media drop and stable reference markers positioned adjacent the pores.可用等离子刻蚀或另一种处理调整表面的疏水性以防止用培养基充满时微孔中形成气泡。 Available plasma etching, or another process of adjusting the surface hydrophobic to prevent formation of bubbles when microwell is filled with media.无论使用标准培养皿还是定制培养皿，培养期间，可在同一培养基中培养一个或多个发育的胚胎，例如每皿可培养I个至30个之间的胚胎。 Whether using standard or custom dish petri dish, the culture period, the culture may be one or more of the developing embryo in the same medium, for example, may be cultured embryos per dish between the I to 30.

[0092] 随时间获取图像并且之后分析图像以取得一个或多个细胞参数的测量。 [0092] After acquiring images over time and analyzing the image to obtain one or more cell parameters measured.可用装配用于数字图像存储和分析的任何计算机控制的显微镜例如装配加热台和培养箱的倒置显微镜或适于常规孵育器内部的定制微型显微镜阵列进行时差成像。 Assembly available for digital image storage and analysis of any micro-computer-controlled microscope custom microscope stage and heating the assembly, for example, an array of the inverted microscope or the incubator inside a conventional incubator adapted to adjust the time of imaging.微型显微镜的阵列使得在同一孵育器中的多个皿的样品能够同时培养并且大小可调节以适应多个通道而对连续图像捕获之间的最小时间间隔没有限制。 An array of miniature microscope such that a plurality of samples in the same dish can be cultured in the incubator at the same time and the size can be adjusted to accommodate a plurality of channels without restriction on the minimum time interval between successive image capture.使用多个显微镜消除了移动样品的需要，其增加了系统准确度和整个系统的可靠性。 A plurality of microscope eliminates the need to move the sample, which increases the accuracy and reliability of the entire system.孵育器中的单个显微镜可以是部分或全部分离的，为每个培养皿提供自身的控制的环境。 Incubator may be a single part or all of the microscope isolated, controlled environment itself provides for each dish.这允许皿被转移至成像位置或从成像位置转移而不影响其他样品的环境。 This allows the boat to be transferred to the image transfer position without affecting the environment or the other samples from the imaging position.

[0093] 用于时差成像的成像系统可使用亮视野照明、暗视野照明、相位对比、霍夫曼调制相衬(Hoffman modulat1n contrast)、微差干涉对比或突光。 [0093] The imaging system may use time difference imaging bright-field illumination, dark-field illumination, phase contrast, Hoffman modulation contrast (Hoffman modulat1n contrast), or differential interference contrast light projection.在一些实施方案中，暗视野照明可被用来为随后的特征提取和图像分析提供增强的图像对比。 In some embodiments, the dark-field illumination may be used for subsequent feature extraction provides enhanced image contrast and image analysis.此外，红色或近红外光源可被用来减少光毒性并且提高细胞膜和细胞的内部部分之间的对比度。 In addition, red or near infrared light source can be used to reduce the toxicity and improve the contrast of light between the membrane and the inner part of the cell.

[0094] 所获取的图像可在连续基底上储存在活动视频中或在间断基底上(如在时差照相术中)，其中对象被反复成像在静止的照片上。 [0094] The acquired image can be stored or live video on a substrate (e.g., the difference in photography) on which the object is interrupted, still photos repeatedly imaged on a continuous substrate.优选地，图像之间的时间间隔应在I至30分钟之间以便捕获如下文所描述的重要的形态学事件。 Preferably, the time interval between images to be captured important morphological events as described below between I and 30 minutes.在可选择的实施方案中，图像之间的时间间隔可取决于细胞活性的量而变化。 In an alternative embodiment, the time interval between images may vary depending on the amount of cell activity.例如，在活性期间，可以每几秒或每分钟这么频繁地获取图像，而在非活性期间，可以每10或15分钟或更久地获取图像。 For example, the active period, or may acquire images every few seconds every minute so frequently, and in the inactive period, or longer can acquire images every 10 or 15 minutes.对所捕获的图像的实时图像分析可被用于检测什么时候和如何变化时间间隔。 Real-time image of the captured image analysis can be used to detect when and how to change the time interval.在我们的方法中，样品接收的光的总量估计等于5天成像大约24分钟的连续低水平曝光。 In our method, the amount of light received by the sample estimate is equal to 5 days about 24 minutes of continuous imaging exposure low.用于时差成像系统的光强度比通常用于辅助生殖显微镜的光强度低得多，归因于LED的低功率(例如使用相比于通常100W卤素灯泡的IW LED)和照相机传感器的高敏感度。 A light intensity difference high-sensitivity imaging system is typically much lower than the light intensity used for assisted reproduction microscope, due to the low power LED (e.g., as compared to the commonly used 100W halogen lamp LED IW) and a camera sensor .因此，使用时差成像系统由胚胎接收到的光能量的总量能够与IVF临床的常规操作期间接收到的能量的量差不多或更少。 Thus, the amount of light energy received by the imaging system of the embryo difference amount can be received during normal operation of the energy IVF clinic almost or less.此外，曝光时间可显著缩短以减少对胚胎/多潜能细胞的曝光的总量。 In addition, the exposure time can be significantly shortened to reduce the total exposure of the embryo / pluripotent cells.对于2天的成像，在每5分钟以0.5秒曝光/图像捕获图像的情况下，低水平曝光的总量小于5分钟。 Imaging for 2 days, every 5 minutes in the case of exposure to 0.5 seconds / image captured image, the total amount of low exposure less than 5 minutes.

[0095] 图像采集之后，提取并分析图像的不同的细胞参数例如大小，透明带的厚度、破碎的程度，从细胞分裂产生的子细胞的对称性、前几次有丝分裂之间的时间间隔和胞质分裂的持续时间。 After the [0095] image acquisition, extracted and analyzed different cell image parameters such as size, thickness of the zona pellucida, the degree of fragmentation, the symmetry of the sub-cells from the cell division generated, previous time interval between mitosis and cell quality split duration.

[0096] 可通过时差成像测量的细胞参数通常是形态学事件。 [0096] Imaging can be obtained by measuring the time difference of the cell parameter is usually morphological events.例如，在测定胚胎时，时差成像可被用于测量胞质分裂事件例如胞质分裂1、胞质分裂2、胞质分裂3、胞质分裂4的持续时间，其中胞质分裂事件的持续时间定义为首次观察到卵裂沟(胞质分裂的起始)和卵裂沟分离为两个子细胞(即两个子细胞的产生)之间的时间间隔。 For example, in the determination of the embryo, the imaging can be used to measure the time difference cytokinesis event, e.g. cytokinesis 1, cytokinesis 2, 3 cytokinesis, the duration of cytokinesis 4, wherein the duration of the event cytokinesis defined as the time interval between the first observation of the cleavage furrow (starting cytokinesis) and the cleavage furrow separated into two daughter cells (i.e., to produce two daughter cells).感兴趣的另一个参数是细胞周期事件例如细胞周期1、细胞周期2、细胞周期3或细胞周期4的持续时间，其中细胞周期事件的持续时间被定义为一个细胞(对于细胞周期I来说，卵子的受精；对于之后的细胞周期来说，在胞质分裂结束时)的产生和来自这一细胞的两个子细胞的产生之间的时间间隔。 Another parameter of interest is a cell cycle events such as cell cycle 1, cycle 2 cell, 3 cell cycle or cell cycle duration 4, wherein the duration of the cell cycle event is defined as a cell (for cell cycle I, the the fertilized egg; for cell cycle after, the time interval between the generation and the generation of the two sub-cells from cells at the end of cytokinesis) a.可通过时差成像测量的感兴趣的其他细胞参数包括由这些细胞事件定义的时间间隔，例如(a)胞质分裂I和胞质分裂2之间的时间间隔，可定义为胞质分裂I的起始和胞质分裂2的起始之间的间隔、胞质分裂I的结束和胞质分裂2的结束之间的间隔、胞质分裂I的起始和胞质分裂2的结束之间的间隔或胞质分裂I的结束和胞质分裂2的起始之间的间隔的任一个；或者(b)胞质分裂2和胞质分裂3之间的时间间隔，可定义为胞质分裂2的起始和胞质分裂3的起始之间的间隔、或胞质分裂2的结束和胞质分裂3的结束之间的间隔、或胞质分裂2的起始和胞质分裂3的结束之间的间隔或胞质分裂2的结束和胞质分裂3的起始之间的间隔的任一个。 It may include time events defined by these cells by other cells interval difference image measuring parameters of interest, such as (a) and I cytokinesis cytokinesis time interval between the two, I may be defined as the starting cytokinesis and the interval between the beginning of starting cytokinesis 2, I cytokinesis cytokinesis and end the interval between the end of 2, and cytokinesis I starting interval between the end of cytokinesis 2 cytokinesis or I and cytokinesis end of any interval between the start of the 2; or (b) cytokinesis 2 and cytokinesis 3 between time interval 2 is defined as cytokinesis the interval between the start and the start cytokinesis 3, or 2 and cytokinesis cytokinesis end split the interval between the end of 3, or 2 and cytokinesis cytokinesis starting end of split 3 or interval between the end of cytokinesis 2 and cytokinesis split any interval between the start 3.

[0097] 为了体外受精的目的，被认为是有利的发育中早期例如第2天或第3天即直到8细胞阶段将胚胎转移至子宫以减少胚胎损失(归因于培养条件相对于体外环境的缺点)并减少与可在培养期间发生的后生错误有关的可能的不良后果(Katari等人(2009)Hum MolGenet.18(20):3769-78 ;S印tilveda等人(2009)Fertil Steril.91 (5): 1765-70)。 [0097] For purposes of in vitro fertilization, development is considered to be advantageous, for example, early day 2 or day 3 until i.e. 8-cell stage embryos were transferred to the uterus in order to reduce the loss of the embryo (due to in vitro culture conditions with respect to the environment drawback) and reduce the possible adverse consequences may occur during epigenetic errors related to culture (Katari et al (2009) Hum MolGenet.18 (20): 3769-78; S Indian tilveda et al. (2009) Fertil Steril.91 (5): 1765-70).因此，优选的是，尽管分析的时间较长，例如约36小时、约54小时、约60小时、约72小时、约84小时、约96小时或更长，本方法同样预期在受精的2天中发生的细胞参数的测量。 Accordingly, it is preferred, although a longer analysis time, for example about 36 hours, about 54 hours, about 60 hours, about 72 hours, about 84 hours, about 96 hours or longer, the process of fertilization also contemplated for 2 days measurement parameters occurring in cells.

[0098] 可通过时差成像测定的正在成熟的卵母细胞的细胞参数的实例包括但不限于卵母细胞细胞膜的形态学上的变化，例如从透明带分离的速度和程度；卵母细胞细胞核的形态学上的变化，例如胚泡破裂(GVBD)的起始、完成和速度；细胞质和细胞核中颗粒的运动速度和方向；卵母细胞和第一极体的胞质分裂以及第一极体的排出的运动和/或持续时间。 [0098] Examples of maturing oocyte cell parameters measured by the time difference imaging include, but are not limited to, morphological changes in the oocyte cell membrane, for example, from the zona pellucida and the speed of separation degree; oocyte nucleus morphological changes, for example, germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) of the starting and completion speed; cytoplasm and nucleus speed and direction of movement of the particles; cytokinesis oocyte and the first polar body and the first polar body discharging movement and / or duration.其他的参数包括成熟次级卵母细胞和第二极体的胞质分裂的持续时间。 Other parameters include cytoplasmic maturation secondary oocyte and the second polar body split duration.

[0099] 可通过时差成像测定的干细胞或干细胞群中的细胞参数的实例包括但不限于胞质分裂事件的持续时间，胞质分裂事件之间的时间，胞质分裂事件之前和过程中干细胞的大小和形状、由胞质分裂事件产生的子细胞的数目、卵裂沟的空间定向、所观察到的非对称分裂的速度和/或数目(即其中一个子细胞保持干细胞而其他的分化)、所观察到的对称分裂的速度和/或数目(即其中两个子细胞都保持干细胞或都分化)以及胞质分裂事件的结束和当干细胞开始分化之间的时间间隔。 [0099] Examples of cell parameters measured by the time difference imaging stem cell or population of stem cells include but are not limited to, the duration of the event cytokinesis, cytokinesis time between events, and event before cytokinesis during stem cells size and shape, the number, the cleavage furrow space daughter cells produced by directing events cytokinesis, the observed rate of asymmetric division and / or number (i.e., one daughter cell holding differentiation of stem cells and other), symmetrical division of the observed rate and / or number (i.e. where the two daughter cells remain differentiated stem cells or both) and the end of cytokinesis events and a time interval between when the stem cells begin to differentiate.

[0100] 参数可手动测量或者它们可被自动测量，例如通过图像分析软件。 [0100] Measurement parameters may be manually or they may be automatically measured, e.g., by image analysis software.当使用图像分析软件时，可以使用利用以序贯蒙特卡罗方法为基础的随机模型估算技术的图像分析算法，例如产生假定的胚胎/多潜能细胞模型的分布，以简单的光学模型为基础模拟图像并将这些模拟与观察到的图像数据比较。 When using image analysis software, image analysis algorithms may be used in a sequential Monte Carlo method based on the stochastic model estimation techniques, for example, assume that the distribution produced embryos / pluripotent cell model, a simple optical model is based on an analog and comparing the analog image data with the image observed.当使用这样的随机模型估算时，细胞可以被建模为任何适合的形状，例如2D空间中的椭圆的集合，3D空间中的椭圆体的集合以及类似形状。 When such a stochastic model estimation, the cells can be modeled as any suitable shape, for example, a set of ellipsoidal set elliptical space 2D, 3D, and a similarly shaped space.为了处理遮挡和深度不确定性，方法可实行相应于所期望的实体行为的几何约束。 In order to process and occlusion depth uncertainties, the method can be implemented corresponding to the expected behavior of an entity geometric constraints.为了提高鲁棒性，可在一个或多个焦平面上捕获图像。 To improve the robustness, can capture one or more images on the focal plane.

[0101] 基因表汰分析 [0101] Analysis of gene expression elimination

[0102] 在一些实施方案中，通过测量基因表达测定胚胎或多潜能细胞。 [0102] In some embodiments, gene expression is measured by measuring embryonic or pluripotent cells.在这些实施方案中，细胞参数是基因表达水平或基因表达谱。 In these embodiments, the cell parameter is a gene expression level or gene expression profile.测定一个或多个基因的表达，即获得表达谱或表达评估，可通过测量感兴趣的一个或多个基因的核酸转录物Hf^nmRNA)例如核酸表达谱进行；或通过测量为感兴趣的一个或多个基因的表达产物的一个或多个不同蛋白/多肽的水平即蛋白组表达谱来进行。 Determination of expression of one or more genes, i.e. an expression profile or expression evaluation is obtained, the one or more nucleic acid transcript may be a gene of interest by measuring Hf ^ nmRNA), for example, a nucleic acid expression profile; or by measuring the interest of a or one or more gene expression products of a plurality of different protein / polypeptide level i.e. protein expression profiling is performed.换句话说，术语“表达谱”和“表达评估”被宽泛使用以包括RNA水平或蛋白水平的基因表达谱。 In other words, the term "expression profile" and "expression evaluation" is used broadly to include gene expression profiles of RNA level or protein level.

[0103] 在一些实施方案中，基因的表达可通过获得核酸表达谱来估计，其中确定样品中的一种或多种核酸的量或水平，例如感兴趣的一种或多种基因的核酸转录物。 [0103] In some embodiments, gene expression may be estimated by obtaining a nucleic acid expression profile, wherein determining the level or amount of one or more nucleic acids in a sample, e.g., one or more nucleic acid transcription of a gene of interest thereof.在这些实施方案中，被测定以产生表达谱的样品是核酸样品。 In these embodiments, the measurement sample to generate expression profile of the sample is a nucleic acid.核酸样品包括多个或一群不同核酸，其包括正被评估的胚胎或细胞的感兴趣的基因的表达信息。 Or a group of the nucleic acid sample comprises a plurality of different nucleic acid comprising a gene of interest expression of the information being evaluated or embryonic cells.核酸可包括RNA或DNA核酸，例如mRNA.cRNA.cDNA等，只要样品保留其所获得自的宿主细胞或组织的表达信息。 Nucleic acid may include RNA or DNA nucleic acids, e.g., as long as it retains a sample obtained from a host cell or tissue expressing information mRNA.cRNA.cDNA like.样品可以许多不同方式制备，如本领域中已知的，例如通过从细胞分离mRNA，其中所分离的mRNA如在差异表达领域中已知的被用来扩增、使用以制备cDNA、cRNA等。 Samples may be prepared in many different ways, as is known in the art, for example by isolating mRNA from a cell, wherein the isolated mRNA as is known in the art are used to amplify differentially expressed, used to prepare cDNA, cRNA and the like.使用标准程序，样品可从单个细胞制备，例如感兴趣的多潜能细胞的培养基的多潜能细胞或来自感兴趣的胚胎的单个细胞(卵裂球)；或来自几个细胞，例如多潜能细胞的培养基的一部分或感兴趣的胚胎的2、 Using standard procedures, cells from a single sample can be prepared, for example, pluripotent cell culture medium of interest pluripotent cells from an embryo or a single cell of interest (blastomeres); or from several cells, pluripotent cells e.g. embryo culture medium or a portion of interest 2,

3、或4或者更多个卵裂球。 3, or 4 or more blastomeres.

[0104] 表达谱可使用任何常规程序从初始核酸样品产生。 [0104] The expression profile may be generated using any conventional procedure from the initial nucleic acid sample.当产生表达谱的多种不同方式是已知的，例如在差异基因表达分析的领域中使用的那些时，用于产生表达谱的一个代表性且适宜性类型的程序是以阵列基础的基因表达谱产生程序。 When, for example, those generated when a number of different ways known expression profiles are used in the field of differential gene expression analysis, the expression profile for generating a representation of a suitable type and gene expression arrays program is based spectrum generator.这些应用是杂交测定，其中使用在有待被产生的谱中展示用于有待被测定或进行谱分析的基因中的每一种的“探针”核酸的核酸。 These applications are hybridization assays in which the nucleic acid to be used for the display of each nucleic acid "probe" or genes to be measured in the spectral analysis of the spectrum to be produced.在这些测定中，首先从正在测定的初始核酸样品制备靶核酸的一个样品，其中，制备可包括用标记物例如信号表达系统的一员来标记靶核酸。 In these assays, the initial nucleic acid sample is first prepared from a target nucleic acid sample is determined, wherein the preparation may comprise a labeled target nucleic acid expression systems such as a signal marker.靶核酸样品制备之后，将样品在杂交条件下与阵列接触，由此在与连接至阵列表面的探针序列互补的靶核酸之间形成复合物。 After the target nucleic acid sample preparation, the sample is contacted with the array under hybridization conditions, thereby forming a complex between the surface of the array and connected to probe sequences complementary to the target nucleic acid.之后定性或者定量地检测杂交复合物的存在。 After quantitatively or qualitatively detect the presence of hybridization complex.

[0105] 可实行以产生在主题方法中使用的表达谱的特异杂交技术包括描述于美国专利第5，143，854 ;5，288，644 ;5，324，633 ;5，432，049 ;5，470，710 ;5，492，806 ;5，503，980 ；5，510，270 ;5，525，464 ;5，547，839 ;5，580，732 ;5，661，028 ;5，800，992 号，其公开内容通过引用并入本文；以及WO 95/21265 ；W0 96/31622 ；W097/10365 ；W0 97/27317 ；EP 373203和EP 785280中的技术。 [0105] can be implemented to generate an expression profile of specific hybridization technique used in the subject methods include those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,143,854; 5,288,644; 5,324,633; 5,432,049; 5 , 470,710; 5,492,806; 5,503,980; 5,510,270; 5,525,464; 5,547,839; 5,580,732; 5,661,028; 5,800 , 992, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; and WO 95/21265; W0 96/31622; W097 / 10365; W0 97/27317; EP 373203 and EP 785280 in the art.在这些方法中，如上文描述的将包括用于其表达正被测定的表型决定基因中的每一种的探针的“探针”核酸的阵列与靶核酸接触。 In these methods, as described above would include an array of nucleic acid contact with a target gene in each of the probe "probe" nucleic acid whose expression determines phenotype being measured.在杂交条件例如严格杂交条件下进行接触，并且之后除去未结合的核酸。 For example, hybridization conditions under stringent hybridization conditions of contact, and then to remove unbound nucleic acid.如本文所用的，术语“严格测定条件”是指适于产生具有足够互补性以在测定中提供所期望的特异性水平的核酸例如表面结合的和溶液相核酸的结合对而较不适于形成具有不足以提供所期望的特异性的互补性的结合成员之间的结合对的条件。 As used herein, the term "stringent assay conditions" means suitable for generating a sufficient complementarity to provide the desired level of specificity in the assay, for example, a surface bound nucleic acid and a solution phase nucleic acid binding pairs are formed having less suitable It is not sufficient to provide the desired specificity of binding to complementary binding conditions between members.严格互补条件是杂交和清洗条件的总和或组合(全体)。 Strict complementarity sum or a combination of hybridization and wash conditions (the whole).

[0106] 所得到的杂交的核酸的模式提供关于已经被探针探测的基因中的每一种的表达信息，其中表达信息是以基因是否表达以及典型地什么水平表达的方式，其中表达信息，即表达谱(例如以转录组(transcriptosome)形式)，都可以是定性和定量的。 [0106] The resulting hybridization pattern of the nucleic acid provides information regarding expression of gene has been probed in each of which information is whether the expression of gene expression and the expression of what is typically a horizontal manner, wherein the expression information, expression profiling (e.g. transcriptome (transcriptosome) form), can be qualitatively and quantitatively.

[0107] 可选择地，可使用用于将样品中的一个或多个核酸的水平定量的非阵列基础的方法，包括以扩增程序为基础的那些例如聚合酶链式反应(PCR)基础的测定，包括定量PCR、逆转录PCR(RT-PCR)、实时PCR和类似方法。 [0107] Alternatively, a method using a non-array-based sample or quantifying levels of a plurality of nucleic acids, comprising amplification procedure in example those based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based assay, including quantitative PCR, reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), real-time PCR and the like.

[0108] 在一些实施方案中，基因的表达可通过获得蛋白组表达谱来评估，其中确定样品中的一种或多种蛋白/多肽的量或水平，例如由感兴趣的基因编码的蛋白/多肽。 [0108] In some embodiments, gene expression can be assessed by proteomic expression profile is obtained, which is determined in a sample of one or more protein / polypeptide level or amount of, for example, a gene encoding a protein of interest / polypeptide.在这些实施方案中，被测定以产生所述方法中使用的表达谱的样品是蛋白样品。 In these embodiments, the sample to be measured to generate the expression profile used in the process is a protein sample.当表达谱是蛋白组表达谱，即样品中一种或多种蛋白水平的谱时，可使用用于评估蛋白水平的任何常规程序，其中确定所测定的样品中的一种或多种蛋白的水平。 When the proteomic expression profile is an expression profile, i.e., the sample levels of one or more proteins spectrum, may be used any of the conventional procedures used to evaluate the level of protein, a method in which a sample is determined by measuring one or more proteins Level.

[0109] 尽管用于蛋白水平的多种不同方式的测定是本领域中已知的，但用于测定蛋白水平的一种代表性且适宜性类型的方案是ELISA。 Determination of [0109] Although a number of different ways for protein levels are known in the art, but for a representative measurement of protein levels and appropriate type of scheme is ELISA.在ELISA和以ELISA基础的测定中，对于感兴趣的蛋白来说特异性的一种或多种抗体可被固定在所选择的固体表面上，优选地展示蛋白亲和性的表面例如聚苯乙烯微量滴定板的孔。 Base and in an ELISA assay in an ELISA, the protein of interest is specific for one or more antibodies may be immobilized on a solid selected surface, preferably a surface display protein affinity such as polystyrene well microtiter plate.清洗以除去不完全吸附的材料之后，将测定板孔用对于测试样品例如牛血清白蛋白(BSA)、酪蛋白或奶粉溶液来说已知抗原中性的非特异性“封闭”蛋白包被。 After washing to remove incompletely adsorbed material, to the assay plate wells with a test sample such as bovine serum albumin (BSA), casein or solutions of powdered milk is known to be antigenically neutral with nonspecific "closed" protein coated.这允许封闭固定表面上的非特异性吸附位点，由此减少由所述表面上抗原的非特异性结合导致的背景。 This allows nonspecific adsorption sites on the closure fastening surface, thereby to reduce background non-specific binding by an antigen on the surface of the lead.清洗以除去未结合封闭的封闭蛋白之后，将固定的表面与有待被测试的样品在有助于免疫复合物(抗原/抗体)形成的条件下接触。 After washing to remove unbound blocking proteins closed, the fixed surface and the sample to be tested under conditions conducive to formation of an immune complex (antigen / antibody).这些条件包括同样有助于帮助减少非特异性背景的用稀释液例如溶于盐酸缓冲盐水(PBS)/吐温或PBS/Triton-X 100中的BSA或牛血清丙种球蛋白(BGG)稀释样品和允许样品在约250C _27°C的温度(尽管也可使用其他温度)孵育约2-4小时。 These conditions also contribute to include diluent to help reduce nonspecific background, for example, hydrochloric acid dissolved in buffered saline (PBS) / Tween or PBS / Triton-X 100 BSA in serum or bovine gamma globulin (BGG) and diluted sample allow the temperature of the sample at about 250C _27 ° C (although other temperatures may be used) for about 2-4 hours.孵育后，清洗抗血清接触的表面以便除去非免疫复合的材料。 After incubation, the antisera-contacted surface cleaning to remove non-immunocomplexed material.示例性的清洗程序包括用溶液例如PBS/吐温、PBS/Triton-X 100或硼酸盐缓冲液清洗。 Exemplary procedures include washing with a solution such as PBS / Tween, PBS / Triton-X 100, or borate buffer wash.免疫复合物形成的出现和量然后可通过使结合的免疫复合物经历对与第一抗体不同的靶具有特异性的第二抗体并且检测第二抗体的结合来确定。 And the amount of occurrence of immune complex formation then may be determined by binding of the immune complex was subjected to a second antibody having specificity for the first antibody with a different target and detecting binding of the second antibody.在某些实施方案中，第二抗体具有所结合的酶，例如尿素酶、过氧化物酶或碱性磷酸化酶，其将在与适当的显色底物孵育时产生有色沉淀。 In certain embodiments, the second antibody has bound enzyme, such as urease, peroxidase or alkaline phosphatase, which will produce a colored precipitate when incubated with an appropriate chromogenic substrate.例如，可使用尿素酶或过氧化物酶轭合的抗人类IgG —段时间并且在有利于免疫复合物形成的发展的条件下(例如在含有PBS的溶液例如PBS/吐温中于室温孵育2小时)。 For example, an anti-human IgG urease or peroxidase conjugated - period of time and under conditions which favor the development of immune complex formation (e.g., in a solution such as PBS containing PBS / Tween was incubated at room temperature for 2 hour).这样用第二抗体孵育并且清洗以除去未结合的材料之后，将标记的量定量，例如通过在尿素酶标记的实例中用显色底物例如尿素和溴甲酚紫或在过氧化物酶标记物的实例中用2，2'-联氮-双- (3-乙基-苯并噻唑啉)-6-磺酸(ABTS)和H2O2孵育。 Such a second antibody incubation and washed after removal of the material to quantify the amount of unbound labeled, e.g., by enzyme-labeled urea in the Examples with a chromogenic substrate such as urea and bromocresol purple or peroxidase-labeled examples thereof with 2,2'-azino - bis - (3-ethyl - benzthiazoline) -6- sulfonic acid (ABTS) and H2O2 incubation.之后通过测量颜色生成的程度例如使用可见光谱分光光度计获得定量。 After, for example, using a visible spectrum spectrophotometer obtained quantified by measuring the degree of color generation.

[0110] 之前的格式可通过首先将样品与测定板结合来改变。 Before [0110] The sample with the assay format by first changing the binding plate.之后将初级抗体与测定板孵育，之后使用对初级抗体具有特异性的标记的次级抗体检测结合的初级抗体。 After the primary antibody was incubated with the assay plate, then detected using primary antibody specific for the secondary antibody labeled primary antibody binding.

[0111] 一种或多种抗体固定于其上的固体基质可由许多种材料制成并且为许多种形状例如微量滴定板、微珠、测验片、树脂颗粒等。 [0111] one or more antibodies thereto fixed on the solid substrate can be made of many materials and as many shapes such as a microtiter plate, microbead, dipstick, resin particles or the like.可以选择基质以最大化信噪比，从而最小化背景结合以及便于分离和包被。 The matrix may be selected to maximize the signal to noise ratio, thus minimizing background binding and to facilitate separation and coating.可以适合所使用的基质的方式实施清洗，例如通过将微珠或测验片从储器除去，将储器例如微量滴定板孔清空或稀释或者用清洗溶液或溶剂漂洗珠、颗粒、层析柱或滤器。 Suitable substrates can be used in embodiments cleaned, for example by removal of the beads or a dipstick from a reservoir, the reservoir is empty, for example, a microtiter plate well or diluted or rinsed with the cleaning solution or solvent, beads, granules, or column filter.

[0112] 可选择地，可使用用于测量样品中一种或多种蛋白的水平的以非ELISA基础的方法。 [0112] Alternatively, the sample can be measured using one or more proteins to levels of ELISA-based methods for non.代表性的实例包括但不限于质谱、蛋白组阵列、xMAPTM微球技术、流式细胞计、蛋白质印迹和免疫组织化学。 Representative examples include, but are not limited to mass spectrometry, proteomic arrays, xMAPTM microsphere technology, flow cytometry, western blotting and immunohistochemistry.

[0113] 所得到的结果提供了与已经被探针探测的基因中的每一种的表达有关的信息，其中表达信息以基因是否表达以及通常以什么水平表达的方式并且其中表达数据可以是定性并且定量的。 Results [0113] The resulting expression has been provided with information regarding each of the genes in the probing, as well as information whether the expression of the gene in what manner generally horizontal and wherein expression of the expression wherein the expression data may be qualitative and quantitative.

[0114] 在产生表达谱时，在一些实施方案中，测定样品以产生包括至少一个基因/蛋白、有时多个基因/蛋白的表达数据的表达谱，其中复数意指至少两种不同的基因/蛋白以及经常至少约3种，通常至少约10种或更多，常常至少约15种不同的基因/蛋白或更多，例如50种或更多或者100种或更多等。 [0114] In generating expression profiles, in some embodiments, to produce a measurement sample comprising at least one gene / protein, sometimes the profile of expression of a plurality of data gene / protein, wherein the plurality is meant at least two different genes / protein and often at least about 3, and usually at least about 10 or more, often at least about 15 different genes / proteins, or more, such as 50 or more, or 100 kinds or more and the like.

[0115] 在最广泛的意义上，表达评估可以是定性或者定量的。 [0115] In the broadest sense, express assessment may be qualitative or quantitative.像这样，当检测是定性的时，所述方法提供读数或评价，例如评估靶分析物例如核酸或表达产物是否存在于被测定的样品中。 In this manner, when the detection is qualitative, the methods provide a reading or evaluation, e.g. assess whether the target analyte is a nucleic acid or expression product, for example, present in a sample to be measured of.在还有另外的实施方案中，所述方法提供了靶分析物是否存在于被评估的样品中的定量检测，即估计或评估靶分析物例如被测定的样品中的核酸或蛋白的真实量或相对丰度。 In yet another embodiment, the method provides a real amount of the sample to be measured, for example, in nucleic acid or protein target analytes if present in a quantitative detection of the sample being evaluated, i.e., the target analyte is estimated or evaluated or The relative abundance.在这些实施方案中，定量检测可以是绝对的或如果所述方法是检测样品中的两种或更多种不同分析物例如核酸或蛋白的方法时是相对的。 In these embodiments, the quantitative detection may be absolute or, if the method is to detect in a sample of two or more different analytes, for example, when a nucleic acid or protein is relative.像这样，术语“定量”用于定量样品中的靶分析物例如一种或多种核酸或蛋白的上下文时，可指绝对或相对定量。 As such, the term "quantitative" is used to quantify a target analyte in a sample, for example, when one or more nucleic acid or protein context, may refer to an absolute or relative quantification.绝对定量可通过包含已知浓度的一种或多种对照分析物并且用已知的对照分析物(例如通过产生标准曲线)参照即标准化靶分析物的检测水平来完成。 Absolute quantification and a known control analytes (e.g., by generating a standard curve) by the reference containing a known concentration of one or more control analyte detection level i.e. normalized target analyte to complete.可选择地，可通过将两种或更多种不同的靶分析物之间的检测水平或量比较以提供两种或更多种不同分析物中的每一种的相对定量例如相对于彼此来完成相对定量。 Alternatively, by two or more different detection levels or amount between the target analytes each comparator to provide two or more of relative quantification of different analytes with respect to one another e.g. complete relative quantification.

[0117] 基因表达水平可从单个细胞、例如来自感兴趣的胚胎的分裂球或分离的卵母细胞或来自干细胞的培养基的分离的细胞等确定，或者它们可以从胚胎例如感兴趣的胚胎的2、3或4或更多个卵裂球直到并且包括感兴趣的整个胚胎、或者来自干细胞的培养基的多个细胞直到并且包括干细胞的整个培养基等确定。 [0117] Gene expression levels may be determined, for example, cells isolated from a single blastomere from an embryo of interest or isolated oocyte culture medium or from stem cells and the like, or they may be of interest, for example, from embryonic embryos 2, 3, or 4 or more blastomeres up to and including the entire embryo of interest, or a plurality of cells from the culture medium of stem cells, up to and including the entire culture medium of stem cells and the like is determined.

[0118] 在其他的方面，本发明包括用于在单个细胞上进行同时的基因分型和基因表达分析的程序。 [0118] In another aspect, the present invention includes genotyping and gene expression analysis programs simultaneously on a single cell.对于胚胎，这可用于改善着床前胚胎遗传学诊断(PGD)，一种将单个细胞从胚胎除去并且检测其DNA的染色体组型缺陷或者特定疾病基因的存在的程序。 For embryos, which can be used to improve the preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), A single cell is removed from the embryo and testing procedures exist karyotype defects which DNA or a specific disease genes.我们的方法允许同时的遗传和基因表达分析。 Our method allows simultaneous genetic and gene expression analysis.所述方法包括下列步骤:(I)将单个细胞收集到小体积的培养基或缓冲液中，(2)使用基因分型和基因表达分析引物的混合物进行一步逆转录和聚合酶链式反应(PCR)扩增，(3)小于18个循环的PCR之后收集等份的扩增的cDNA以维持扩增的线性，(4)使用cDNA等份用标准技术例如定量实时PCR进行基因表达分析，(5)使用剩余的样品进行第二轮PCR以为了基因分型的目的进一步扩增遗传信息和(6)使用标准技术例如凝胶电泳进行基因分型。 Said method comprising the steps of: (I) will be collected into a single cell or a small volume of medium buffer, (2) analysis using a mixture of primers for genotyping and gene expression-step reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction ( PCR) amplification, (3) is smaller than the collected aliquots of amplified cDNA after 18 cycles of PCR amplification in order to maintain linear, (4) using cDNA aliquot e.g. quantitative real time PCR gene expression analysis using standard techniques ( 5) using the remaining samples that the second round of PCR amplification of the genetic information further object of genotyping and (6) gel electrophoresis using standard techniques such as genotyping.

[0120] 一旦已经获得细胞参数测量结果，所述测量就被用来确定胚胎/多潜能细胞的发育潜力。 [0120] Once a cell parameter measurements have been obtained, the measurement was used to determine the developmental potential of embryos / pluripotent cells.如上文所讨论的，术语“发育潜力”和“发育感受性”是指多潜能细胞或组织生长或发育的能力(ability)或能力(capacity)。 The term "developmental potential" and "development sensitivity" discussed above refers to the ability of development (Ability) or pluripotent cell or tissue growth or ability (capacity).例如，在卵母细胞或胚胎的实例中，发育潜力可以是卵母细胞或胚胎生长或发育为健康胚泡的能力(ability)或能力(capacity)。 For example, in the example oocyte or embryo, the developmental potential can be oocyte or embryonic growth or development of healthy blastocysts capacity (Ability) or ability (capacity).作为另一个实例，在干细胞的实例中，发育潜力是生长或发育为感兴趣的一个或多个细胞例如神经元、肌肉、B或T细胞和类似细胞的能力(ability)或能力(capacity)。 As another example, in the example of stem cells, the potential for development is growth or development of one or more cells such as neurons, muscle, B or T cells and the ability (Ability) similar to cells of interest or ability (capacity).在一些实施方案中，卵母细胞或胚胎的发育潜力是所述卵母细胞或胚胎发育为健康胚泡；以成功植入子宫；以经过妊娠和/或以活着出生的能力(ability)或能力(capacity)。 In some embodiments, the developmental potential of the oocyte or embryo is the oocyte or embryo to develop into healthy blastocysts; successfully implanted in the uterus; pregnancy through to and / or ability (Ability) born alive or ability (capacity).在一些实施方案中，多潜能细胞的发育潜力是所述多潜能细胞发育为感兴趣的一个或多个细胞例如神经元、肌肉、B或T细胞和类似细胞和/或体内促进感兴趣的组织的能力(ability)或能力(capacity)。 In some embodiments, the developmental potential of pluripotent cells is the development of pluripotent cells one or more cells of interest such as neuronal, muscle, B cells or T cells, and the like, and / or to promote tissue of interest in vivo ability (ability) or ability (capacity).

[0121] “良好发育潜力”意指胚胎/多潜能细胞统计学上很可能如所期望的发育，即其具有如所期望的发育的55%、60%、70%、80%、90%、95%或更高的概率，例如100%的概率。 [0121] "good developmental potential" means the embryo / pluripotent cells on multiple statistically likely development as desired, i.e. as having 55% of the desired development, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or greater probability, e.g. probability of 100%.换句话说，证明曾获得对良好发育潜力的确定的细胞参数测量结果的100个中55个、100个中60个、100个中70个、100个中80个、100个中90个、100个中95个或整个100个中100个胚胎或多潜能细胞事实上确实如所期望的继续发育。 In other words, the proof was obtained 100 measurements of cell parameters determined developmental potential well 55, 100 60, 100 70, 100 80, 100 90, 100 a 95 or 100 in the entire embryo or pluripotent cell 100 does in fact continue to develop as desired.相反地，“不良发育潜力”意指胚胎/多潜能细胞统计学上很可能不如所期望的发育，即其具有如所期望的发育的50%、40%、30%,20%,10%,5%或更少的概率，例如O %的概率。 Conversely, a "dysplasia potential" means the embryo / pluripotent cells on multiple statistically and probably less desirable development, i.e. as having 50% of the desired development, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, probability of 5% or less, for example, O% probability.换句话说，证明曾获得对不良发育潜力的确定的细胞参数测量结果的100个中仅50个、100个中40个、100个中30个、100个中20个、100个中10个、100个中5个或更少的胚胎或多潜能细胞事实上确实如所期望的继续发育。 In other words, the proof was obtained 100 measurements of cell parameters determined potential dysplasia only 50, 100 40, 100 30, 100 20, 100 in 10, 5 100 or less embryonic or pluripotent cells does in fact continue to develop as desired.如本文所用的，“正常的”或“健康的”胚胎和多潜能细胞证明良好发育潜力而“不正常的”胚胎和多潜能细胞表现出不良的发育潜力。 As used herein, a "normal" or "healthy" embryos and pluripotent cells demonstrate good developmental potential and "not normal" embryonic and pluripotent cells exhibit poor developmental potential.

[0122] 在一些实施方案中，细胞参数测量结果被直接用于确定胚胎或多潜能细胞的发育潜力。 [0122] In some embodiments, the cell parameter measurements are used directly to determine the developmental potential of embryonic or pluripotent cells.换句话说，测量本身的绝对值足以确定发育潜力。 In other words, the absolute value of the measurement itself is sufficient to determine the developmental potential.使用时差成像测量细胞单数的实施方案中这样的实例包括但不限于下列，其单独或组合中的任一种指示人类胚胎中的良好发育潜力:(a)持续约0-30分钟例如，约6-20分钟，平均约12-14分钟的胞质分裂I ; (b)持续约20-27小时例如约25-27小时的细胞周期I ; (c)约8_15小时，例如约9_13小时，具有约11+/-2.1小时的平均值的胞质分裂I的结束和胞质分裂2的开始之间的时间间隔； Embodiments use the singular difference imaging measurement cell Examples of such include but are not limited to the following, alone or in any combination of one indicates good potential for development of human embryos: (a) for about 0-30 minutes, e.g., about 6 -20 minutes, an average of about 12-14 minutes of cytokinesis I; (b) for about 20-27 hours for about 25-27 hours, for example, cell cycle I; (c) about 8_15 hours, for example about 9_13 hours, about cytoplasmic average of 11 +/- 2.1 hours split end I and cytokinesis time interval between the start of two;

(d)约0-5小时，例如约0-3小时，具有约1+/-1.6小时的平均时间的胞质分裂2的起始和胞质分裂3的起始之间的时间间隔，即同步性。 (D) about 0-5 hours, about 0-3 hours, for example, the average time of cytoplasmic about 1 +/- 1.6 hours division and cytokinesis 2 split starting time interval between the start 3, i.e., synchronization.单独或组合中任一种指示人类胚胎中不良发育潜力的直接的测量的实例包括但不限于(a)持续超过约30分钟例如约32、35、40、45、50、55或60分钟或更多的胞质分裂I ;(b)持续超过约27小时例如28、29或30或更多小时的细胞周期I ;(c)持续超过15小时例如16、17、18、19或20或更多小时或少于8小时例如约7、5、4或3或更少小时的胞质分裂I的结束和胞质分裂2的开始之间的时间间隔；(d) 6、 Alone or in any combination of one example of the direct measurement of human embryo developmental potential adverse indication include but are not limited to (a) continues for more than about 30 minutes, for example about 32,35,40,45,50,55, or 60 minutes or less multi cytokinesis I; (b) continues for more than about 27 hours, for example 28, 29 or 30 hours or more cell cycle I; (c) continuously over 15 hours or more, for example 16, 17 or 20 hours, or less than 8 hours, for example, 7,5,4 or about 3 hours or less cytokinesis cytokinesis I end and a time interval between the start of the 2; (d) 6,

7、8、9或10或者更多小时的胞质分裂2的起始和胞质分裂3的起始之间的时间间隔。 8, 9 or 10 or more hours and cytokinesis cytokinesis 2 split starting time interval between the start 3.

[0123] 在一些实施方案中，通过将其与来自参照或对照胚胎/多潜能细胞的细胞参数测量结果比较并且使用这一比较的结果以提供对所述胚胎/多潜能细胞的发育潜力的确定来使用细胞参数测量结果。 [0123] In some embodiments, by which the result from a reference or control embryos / parameter measurement pluripotent cells and comparing this comparison used to provide a determination of the embryo / pluripotent cell development potential The results measured using a cell parameter.术语“参照”和“对照”如本文所用的意指被用来解释给定胚胎/多潜能细胞的细胞参数测量结果并且给出对其发育潜力的确定的标准化的胚胎或细胞。 The term "reference" and "control" as used herein is meant to be used to interpret a given parameter measurement embryo / pluripotent cells and gives the determined normalized or their developmental potential of embryonic cells.参考或对照可以是已知具有所期望的表型例如良好发育潜力并且因此可以是阳性参照或对照胚胎/多潜能细胞的胚胎/多潜能细胞。 The reference or control may be known to have the desired phenotype such as good developmental potential of embryos and thus may be a positive reference or control embryos / pluripotent cells / pluripotent cells.可选择地，所述参照/对照胚胎/多潜能细胞可以是已知不具有所期望的表型并且因此是阴性参照或对照胚胎/多潜能细胞的胚胎/多潜能细胞。 Alternatively, the reference / control embryos / pluripotent cells may be known not to have the desired phenotype and is therefore negative control embryos or control embryos / pluripotent cells / pluripotent cells.

[0124] 在某些实施方案中，将所获得的一个或多个细胞参数测量结果与来自单个参照/对照胚胎/多潜能细胞的可比较的一个或多个细胞参数测量结果比较以获得与评估的所述胚胎/细胞的表型有关的信息。 [0124] In certain embodiments, the one or more cell parameters of the obtained measurement results with a comparable or more cell parameter measurements from a single reference / control embryos / pluripotent cells to obtain a comparison and assessment the embryo / cell phenotype related information.在还有其他的实施方案中，将所获得的一个或多个细胞参数测量结果与来自两个或更多个不同参照/对照胚胎或多潜能细胞的可比较的一个或多个细胞参数测量结果比较以获得与评估的所述胚胎/细胞的表型有关的更深入的信息。 In yet other embodiments, the one or more cell parameters of the obtained measurement results with the one or more comparable parameter measurement results of cells from two or more different reference / control embryos or pluripotent cells more in-depth information to obtain a comparison and evaluation of the embryo / cell phenotype associated.例如，可将从所评估的所述一个或多个胚胎或多潜能细胞获得的细胞参数测量结果与阳性和阴性胚胎或多潜能细胞两者相比较以获得与所述胚胎/细胞是否具有感兴趣的表型有关的确定的信息。 For example, can be evaluated from the one or more cells or pluripotent embryonic cell parameters obtained from the measurement results compared with both the positive and negative embryonic or pluripotent cells to obtain the embryo / cell whether interest determined information related phenotypes.

[0125] 作为一个实例，正常人类胚胎即具有良好发育潜力的胞质分裂I为约0-30分钟，更经常地约6-20分钟，平均约12-14分钟，即约1、2、3、4或5分钟，更经常地约6、7、8、9、 Cytoplasm [0125] As an example, normal human embryonic developmental potential, i.e. having a good division I is about 0-30 minutes, more often from about 6-20 minutes, about 12-14 minutes on average, i.e., about 2,3 , 4 or 5 minutes, more often from about 6,7,8,9,

10、11、12、13、14、15、16、17、18、19或20分钟，在某些实例中为21、22、23、24、25、26、27、28、29或多达约30分钟。 10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19, or 20 minutes, and in some instances as much as about 21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29 or 30 minutes.当与从正常参照胚胎所观察到的相比所评估的胚胎中完成胞质分裂I的较长的时间段指示不良发育潜力。 When embryos evaluated from the normal as compared to that observed in reference to embryos completion of cytokinesis I long period of time indicative of potential dysplasia.作为第二个实例，正常人类胚胎中的细胞周期I即从受精到胞质分裂I完成的时间，通常在约20-27小时中，更经常地在约25-27小时，即约15、16、17、18或19小时，更经常地约20、21、22、23或24小时和更经常地约25,26或27小时中完成。 As a second example, the cell cycle in normal human embryos split i.e. I I completion time from fertilization to the cytoplasm, typically about 20-27 hours, more often from about 25-27 hours, i.e., from about 15, 16 , 17, 18 or 19 hours, more often from about 20, 21 or 24 hours and more often from about 25, 26 or 27 hours to complete.当与从正常参照胚胎所观察到的相比所评估的胚胎中较长的细胞周期I指示不良发育潜力。 When evaluated in comparison with the embryo viewed from the embryo to a normal reference cell cycle longer I indicates the potential of dysplasia.作为第三个实例，正常人类胚胎中胞质分裂I的结束和胞质分裂2的开始是约8-15小时，更常常约9-13小时，具有约11+/-2.1小时的平均值，即6、7或8小时，更经常地约9、10、11、12、13、14或多达约15小时。 As a third example, normal human embryonic cytokinesis I start end and cytokinesis 2 is about 8-15 hours, about 9-13 hours and more often, has an average value of from about 11 +/- 2.1 hours, i.e., 6, 7 or 8 hours, more often from about 9,10,11,12,13,14 or up to about 15 hours.与从正常参照胚胎所观察到的相比所评估的胚胎中较长或较短的细胞周期2指示不良发育潜力。 Embryos evaluated is longer compared to that observed from a normal reference to the embryo or shorter cell cycle 2 indicating adverse developmental potential.作为第四个实例，正常人类胚胎中胞质分裂2的起始和胞质分裂3的起始之间的时间间隔即第二次和第三次有丝分裂的同步性是通常约0-5小时，更经常地约0、1、2或3小时，具有约1+/-1.6小时的平均值，与从正常参照胚胎所观察到的相比所评估的胚胎中胞质分裂2的完成和胞质分裂3之间的较长的间隔指示不良发育潜力。 As a fourth example, normal human embryos cytokinesis 2 and cytokinesis split starting time interval between the start 3 i.e., the second and third of synchronous mitosis is typically about 0-5 hours, more often about 2 or 3 hours, with an average value of from about 1 +/- 1.6 hours, compared to the embryos evaluated viewed from a normal reference embryo to complete cytokinesis 2 and cytoplasmic longer split between 3 interval indicates poor developmental potential.最后，作为当使用基因表达水平作为评估发育潜力的参数时可如何应用这一实施方案的实例，Cofillin, DIAPHl、ECT2、MYLC2、DGCR8、Dicer、TARBP2、CPEB 1、Symplekin、YBX2、ZARl、CTNNBl、DNMT3B、TERT、YYl、IFGR2、BTF3 和/ 或NELF 的较低的表达水平即与从正常参照2细胞胚胎所观察到的相比所评估的2细胞胚胎中低1.5-倍、2-倍、3-倍、4-倍、5-倍、10-倍、20-倍、50-倍或100-倍的表达指示不良发育潜力，而等于或大于从正常参照2细胞胚胎所观察到的表达的表达指示良好发育潜力。 Finally, as an example when the level of gene expression can be used how to apply this embodiment, as a parameter to assess developmental potential, Cofillin, DIAPHl, ECT2, MYLC2, DGCR8, Dicer, TARBP2, CPEB 1, Symplekin, YBX2, ZARl, CTNNBl, of DNMT3B, 2-cell embryos lower expression level of TERT, YYl, IFGR2, BTF3 and / or the assessed NELF i.e., as compared to a normal reference viewed from 2-cell embryos to low 1.5-fold, 2-fold, 3 - fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 10-fold, 20-fold, 50-fold or 100-fold expression indicative of potential dysplasia, but equal to or greater than the expression observed from a normal reference to 2-cell embryos indicating good growth potential.其他实例可来自于经验数据，例如通过观察有待被测定的胚胎/多潜能细胞旁边的一个或多个参照胚胎或多潜能细胞。 Other examples can be derived from empirical data, for example, to be observed by the one or more embryos were next measured / pluripotent cell of embryonic or pluripotent cell reference.可使用任何参照胚胎/多潜能细胞，例如具有良好发育潜力的正常参照样品或具有不良发育潜力的异常参照样品。 Any reference may be used embryos / pluripotent cells, such as normal reference sample has a good developmental potential of a reference sample having an abnormal or defective developmental potential.在一些实例中，可使用不只一个参照样品，例如正常参照样品和异常参照样品两者都可使用。 In some examples, more than one reference sample may be used, for example, a reference sample with reference to both the normal and abnormal samples may be used.

[0126] 在一些实施方案中，使用通过时差显微术或通过表达谱分析但不是通过时差显微术和表达谱分析两者获取的细胞参数测量结果是可以期望的。 [0126] In some embodiments, the time difference by using microscopy or by expression profiling, but not by the time difference microscopy and expression profiling of both cell parameter measurements acquired is desirable.在其他的实施方案中，使用通过时差显微术获取的细胞参数测量结果以及通过表达谱分析获取的细胞参数测量结果是可以期望的。 In other embodiments, using a cell parameter measurements acquired by the time difference microscopy and by expression analysis cell parameter measurements acquired is desirable.

[0127] 如上文所讨论的，可测量并使用一个或多个参数来确定胚胎或多潜能细胞的发育潜力。 Can be measured using one or more parameters and to determine the developmental potential of embryonic or pluripotent cells [0127] As discussed hereinabove.在一些实施方案中，单个参数的测量可能足以获得对发育潜力的确定。 In some embodiments, a single measurement may be sufficient to obtain parameters for determining developmental potential.在一些实施方案中，使用不只一个参数例如2个细胞参数、3个细胞参数或4个或更多个细胞参数的测量是可以期望的。 In some embodiments, more than one parameter using cellular parameters e.g. 2, 3 or 4 cellular parameters or more cellular parameters are measured may be desirable.

[0128] 在某些实施方案中，对于多个参数的测定是可以期望的，因为对多个参数的测定可提供更高的敏感性和特异性。 [0128] In certain embodiments, the assay for a plurality of parameters can be desirable because a plurality of measurement parameters may offer higher sensitivity and specificity.敏感性意指正确鉴定为阳性的实际上阳性的比例。 Sensitivity refers to the proportion of correctly identified as positive in fact positive.这可被算术表示为: This can be expressed as the arithmetic:

[0129] [0129]

[0130] 因此，在其中“阳性”是具有良好发育潜力即将发育为胚泡的胚胎而“阴性”是具有不良发育潜力即将不会发育为胚泡的胚胎的方法中，100%的敏感性意指测试识别像这样将发育为胚泡的所有胚胎。 Methods [0130] Thus, in which "positive" is a good developmental potential is about to develop into a blastocyst embryos and "negative" is not about to have stunted growth potential to develop into a blastocyst embryos and 100% sensitivity Italy test identification means such as the development of embryos to blastocysts for all.在一些实施方案中，测定的敏感性可以是约70%、80%、90%、95^^98%或更高，例如100%。 In some embodiments, the measurement sensitivity can be about 70%, 80%, 90%, 95 ^^ 98% or greater, such as 100%.特异性意指被正确鉴定为阴性的阴性的比例。 Specifically refers to the ratio of negative-negative is the correct identification.这可被算术地描述为: This can be described mathematically as:

[0131] [0131]

[0132] 因此，在其中阳性是具有良好发育潜力即将发育为胚泡的胚胎而阴性是具有不良发育潜力即将不会发育为胚泡的胚胎的方法中，100%的特异性意指测试识别将不会发育为胚泡即将在胚泡期之前停滞的所有胚胎。 [0132] Thus, where a positive potential is about to have a well developed embryos developed to blastocysts is a process having a negative potential is about dysplasia not developed into a blastocyst embryo, specificity of 100% means that the test will be identified not all embryos develop into blastocysts about to arrest before the blastocyst stage.在一些实施方案中，测定的特异性可以是约70%、80%、90%、95%、98% 或更高，例如100%。 In some embodiments, the specificity of the assay may be about 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 98% or higher, such as 100%.

[0133] 如下文实施例部分和图7中所证明的，三个参数的使用提供94%的敏感性和93%的特异性以及3倍于胚泡分布的标准偏差的截止点。 Examples section and in Figure 7 demonstrate [0133] Examples below, the use of three parameters has 94% sensitivity and 93% specificity cut-off point, and three times the standard deviation of the distribution in the blastocyst.换句话说，本发明的方法能够在胚泡阶段之前正确鉴定94%的机会(敏感性)将要发育成为胚泡的胚胎的数目和93%的机会(特异性)将要停滞的胚胎的数目。 In other words, the method of the present invention can be 94% chance (sensitivity) correctly identified prior to the blastocyst stage embryo to develop into a blastocyst of the number and 93% chance (specificity) to be arrested embryos.此外所述特定的平均值和/或截止点可取决于用于计算这些值的数据集以及特定应用而修改。 Furthermore the average value of the specific and / or cutoff points may depend on the data set used to calculate these values, and modifying the particular application.

[0134] 在一些实施方案中，胚胎或多潜能细胞的评估包括产生包括受治疗者胚胎/多潜能细胞的技术人员评估，例如“发育潜力评估”、“染色体异常的评估”等的书面报告。 [0134] In some embodiments, the evaluation of the embryo or pluripotent cells include embryonic subject comprising generating / pluripotent cell evaluation in the art, such as "developmental potential Assessment", "assess chromosomal abnormality" and the like written report.因此，主题方法可进一步包括产生或输出提供这样的评估的结果的报告的步骤，所述报告可以电子介质(例如在电脑监视器上电子显示)的形式或实体介质(例如打印在纸上或其他实体介质上的报告)的形式提供。 Thus, the subject method may further comprise the step of reporting a result of the production or output to provide such assessment, the report can be an electronic medium (e.g., an electronic display on a computer monitor), or in the form of a tangible medium (e.g., printed on paper or other reports on physical media) in the form provided.

[0135] 如本文所描述的，“报告”是电子或实体文件。 [0135] The "report" described herein is an electronic or physical file.其包括提供与通过本发明的方法获取的评估有关的感兴趣的信息的报告元素。 Report element comprising providing information related to the evaluation obtained by the process of the present invention of interest.可完全或部分电子地生成受治疗者报告。 May be completely or partially electronically generated subject reported.受治疗者报告包括至少受治疗者胚胎或多潜能细胞的发育潜力的评估、染色体异常的存在的可能性的评估等。 Report comprises at least the subject under evaluation subject or pluripotent embryonic cell development potential, the possibility of the evaluation of the presence of chromosomal abnormalities.受治疗者报告可进一步包括下列中的一个或多个:1)与测试装置有关的信息；2)服务提供者信息；3)受治疗者数据；4)样品数据；5)详细的评估报告部分，提供与如何获得评估有关的信息，例如a)所获取的细胞参数测量、b)所使用的参照值，如果有的话；和6)其他特征。 Subject report can further include one or more of the following: 1) information relating to the test device; 2) the service provider information; 3) the subject data; 4) sample data; 5) detailed evaluation report section providing information about how to obtain and assess, for example, a) the acquired parameter measurement cell, b) the reference value used, if any; and 6) other features.

[0136] 报告可包括关于测试机构的信息，所述信息与进行样品采集和/或数据生成的医院、临床或实验室有关。 [0136] Reports may include information about the testing facility, the information with sample collection and / or data generated by hospitals, or related clinical or laboratory.样品采集可包括如何生成样品，例如如何从受治疗者收获样品和/或如何培养样品等。 Sample collection may include how to generate a sample, such as how to harvesting samples from the subject and / or how to culture samples and the like.数据生成可包括如何获得图像或如何分析基因表达谱。 Generating data may include obtaining an image or how to analyze the gene expression profiles.这一信息可包括与例如测试机构的名称和位置、进行所述测定和/或输入数据的实验室技术人员的身份、进行和/或分析测定的日期和时间、样品和/或结果数据储存的位置、测定中使用的试剂(例如试剂盒等)的批量编号以及类似信息有关的一个或多个细节。 This information may include, for example, the name and location of the testing facility, the identity of the laboratory technician and / or input data of the measurement performed and / or the date and time of analysis measurement, the sample and / or result data storage position, a reagent used in the assay (e.g., a kit, etc.) and the like that a lot number or more details related.具有这一信息的报告领域(Report field)可通常使用由使用者提供的信息填充。 Field Report (Report field) with this information can generally be used to fill the information provided by the user.

[0137] 报告可包括关于服务提供者的信息，所述服务提供者可位于使用者所在的卫生保健机构外或卫生保健机构内。 [0137] report may include information about the service provider, the service provider can be located within the outer health care facilities where the user or health care facilities.这样的信息的实例可包括服务提供者的名称和位置，查阅者的名称以及需要或期望时进行样品分离和/或数据生成的个人的名字。 Sample separation personal name and / or data generated when examples of such information may include the name and location of the service provider, and a reviewer name needed or desired.具有这一信息的报告领域通常可使用由使用者输入的数据填充，其可从预制脚本选择中选择(例如使用下拉菜单)。 FIELD report this information typically may be used to fill the data input by the user, which can be selected from a pre-scripted selections (e.g., using pull-down menu).报告中其他的服务提供者信息可包括与结果有关和/或与说明性报告有关的技术Ih息的联系息。 Report other service provider information may include contact information and / or technical information and Ih descriptive report on the outcomes.

[0138] 报告可包括受治疗者数据部分，包括从其收集卵母细胞或多潜能细胞的受治疗者的医疗史、患者年龄、体外受精周期表证(例如受精速度、第3天卵泡刺激素(FSH)水平)和何时收集卵母细胞、合子/胚胎队列参数(例如胚胎的总数)。 [0138] report may include subject data section, including its medical history of the subject collected oocytes or pluripotent cells, patient's age, evidence of the periodic table in vitro fertilization (e.g. fertilization rate, day 3 follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level), and when to collect the oocytes, zygotes / embryos queue parameter (e.g. the total number of embryos).该受治疗者数据可被并入以促进胚胎评估和/或帮助确定转移的胚胎的优化数目。 The subject data may be incorporated to facilitate the optimization of the number of embryos embryos assessment and / or help determine metastasis.报告还可包括管理性受治疗者数据(也就是对于评估发育潜力来说非必需的信息)例如确定受治疗者的信息(诸如名字、受治疗者的出生日期(DOB)、性别、邮箱和/或居住地址、医疗记录号码(MRN)、医疗卫生机构中的房间和/或床位号)，保险信息以及类似信息)，安排发育潜力的评估的受治疗者的医师或其他卫生专业人员的名字以及(如果与进行安排的医师不同)受治疗者的护理负责的工作医师(例如初级护理医师)的名字。 Reports may also include the management of the data subject (that is, for non-essential information for assessment of developmental potential) to determine information such as the treatment of persons (such as by name, by the date of birth of the subject (DOB), gender, email and / or residence address, medical record number (MRN), medical and health institutions in the room and / or bed number), insurance information, and similar information), the name of a physician or other health professional subject arrangements and assess the development potential of (if different arrangements with physicians) subject of the work of the physician responsible for care (eg primary care physician) name.

[0139] 报告可包括样品数据部分，其可提供与评估中分析的生物样品有关的信息，例如样品的类型(胚胎或多潜能细胞以及多潜能细胞的类型)，如何处理样品(例如储存温度、制备程序)和收集的日期和时间。 [0139] The sample data report may include portions which may provide information regarding the biological sample analysis, evaluation, such as the type (type of embryonic or pluripotent cells and pluripotent cells) sample, how to deal with a sample (e.g., storage temperature, preparation procedures) and the date and time of collection.具有这一信息的报告领域通常可使用由使用者输入的数据填充。 FIELD reports this information can generally be populated with data input by the user.其中一些可提供为预制脚本的选择(例如使用下拉菜单)。 Some of these scripts can provide pre-selection (for example, use the drop-down menu).

[0140] 报告可包括评估报告部分，其可包括与如何如本文中所描述的获取评估/确定有关的信息。 [0140] report may include assessment portion, which may include information related to how to obtain an evaluation as described herein, / is determined.说明性报告可包括例如所评估的胚胎或多潜能细胞的时差图像和/或基因表达结果。 Illustrative report may include the difference image embryonic or pluripotent cell being evaluated and / or expression of the gene results, for example.报告的评估部分还可任选地包括推荐部分。 Evaluation of the report may also optionally include a recommendation section.例如，当结果指示胚胎的良好发育潜力时，推荐可包括在如本领域推荐的生育治疗期间将有限数目的胚胎植入子宫的推荐。 For example, when the result indicates the potential of well-developed embryos, as recommended period may be included in the present art will fertility treatment recommended limited number of embryo implantation in the uterus recommendation.

[0141] 还应当很容易理解的是报告可包括另外的元素或修饰的元素。 [0141] It should be readily appreciated that the report may also include additional elements or modified elements.例如，当为电子的时，报告可包含指向提供与所选择的报告的元素有关的更详细信息的内部或外部数据库的超链接。 For example, internal or external hyperlinks to more detailed information in the database when the element is an electronic report, the report may contain links to provide the selected related.例如，报告的患者信息元素可包括电子患者记录或获取这样的患者记录的站点的超链接，所述患者记录保留在机密数据库中。 For example, a patient-reported information elements may include hyperlinks electronic patient records or patient records acquired such a site, the confidential patient records remain in the database.后面的这一实施方案可能在医院系统或临床应用(clinic setting)中感兴趣。 This embodiment may be interested in the back of the hospital system or clinical application (clinic setting) in.当以电子的形式时,报告记录在适合的物理介质上,例如计算机可读的介质诸如计算机存储器、zip驱动器、CD、DVD等上。 When the electronic form, report records on a suitable physical medium, for example, on a computer-readable medium such as computer memory, zip drive, CD, DVD and the like.

[0142] 应当很容易理解的是报告可包括上文元素中的全部或一些，条件是所述报告通常包括至少足以提供使用者所需要的分析(例如发育潜力的评估)的元素。 [0142] It should be readily appreciated that the report may include all or some of the above elements, with the proviso that the report typically includes at least sufficient to provide the analysis (e.g., the assessment of developmental potential) elements required by the user.

[0143] 实思 [0143] Si solid

[0144] 如上文所讨论的，本发明的方法可用于评估胚胎或多潜能细胞以确定它们的发育潜力。 [0144] As discussed above, the method of the present invention may be used to assess embryonic or pluripotent cells to determine their developmental potential.发育潜力的这一确定可用于指导临床决策和/或行动。 Developmental potential of this determination can be used to guide clinical decisions and / or actions.例如，为了增加妊娠率，临床医师常常将多个胚胎转移至患者中，可能导致给母亲和胎儿都带来健康风险的多胎妊娠。 For example, in order to increase pregnancy rates, clinicians often multiple embryos are transferred into a patient, may lead to maternal and fetal health risks of multiple births bring the pregnancy.使用从本发明的方法获得结果，可在植入之前确定将被转移以发育为胎儿的胚胎的发育潜力，允许医生决定转移多少胚胎以便将足月妊娠的成功的机会最大化同时将风险最小化。 The results obtained from the use of the method according to the invention can be determined will be transferred to the developmental potential of embryos develop into fetuses, allows doctors to decide how many embryos are transferred before implantation so that the chances of success of the full-term pregnancy is maximized while minimizing risk .

[0145] 通过下列本发明的方法进行的评估还可在将一组胚胎或多潜能细胞中的胚胎或多潜能细胞按照它们的发育潜力分级中找到用途。 [0145] assessment by the following methods in the present invention may also be a group of embryonic or pluripotent cells, embryonic or pluripotent cells find use in accordance with the classification of their developmental potential.例如，在某些实例中，多个胚胎能够发育为胚泡，即将具有良好发育潜力。 For example, in some instances, a plurality of embryos can develop to the blastocyst, i.e. good developmental potential.然而，某些胚胎将更可能达到胚泡阶段或者是比其他质量更高的胚泡，即它们将具有比其他胚胎更好的发育潜力。 However, some will be more likely to reach the blastocyst stage embryos or blastocysts of higher quality than the other, that they will have a better potential than the other embryos.在这样的情况下，本发明的方法可被用来将组中的胚胎分级。 In this case, the method of the present invention may be used to group classification embryos.在这样的方法中，测量每个胚胎/多潜能细胞的一个或多个细胞参数以获取每个胚胎/多潜能细胞的细胞参数测量结果。 In such a method, each embryo a measurement / cell or more pluripotent cell parameters for each embryo cell parameter measurements / pluripotent cells.之后来自所述胚胎或多潜能细胞中的每一个的一个或多个细胞参数测量结果被用于确定所述胚胎或多潜能细胞相对于彼此的发育潜力。 After the embryo or from a pluripotent cells of each of one or more cellular parameter measurements are used to determine the embryo or pluripotent cell developmental potential with respect to each other.在一些实施方案中，来自所述胚胎或多潜能细胞中的每一个的细胞参数测量结果通过将它们直接与彼此比较以确定所述胚胎或多潜能细胞的发育潜力来使用。 In some embodiments, each of the embryos from the parameter measurements in cells or pluripotent cells by comparing them to determine the developmental potential of embryonic or pluripotent cells used directly with each other.在某些实施方案中，来自所述胚胎或多潜能细胞中的每一个的细胞参数测量结果通过将所述细胞参数测量结果与来自参照胚胎/多潜能细胞的细胞参数测量结果比较以确定每个胚胎或多潜能细胞的发育潜力并且之后比较每个胚胎或多潜能细胞的确定的发育潜力以确定所述胚胎或多潜能细胞相对于彼此的发育潜力来使用。 In certain embodiments, cells derived from the embryo or pluripotent cell parameter measurements in each of the cells by parameter measurement parameter from the reference measurement cell embryos / pluripotent cells to determine for each developmental potential of embryonic or pluripotent cell and then comparing each embryo or pluripotent cells is determined to determine the developmental potential of embryonic or pluripotent cells to each other with respect to the potential development for use.以这样的方式，评估例如多个合子/胚胎的医生可仅选择质量最好的胚胎，即具有最好发育潜力的那些来转移以便将足月妊娠的成功的机会最大化同时将风险最小化。 In this way, for example to assess multiple zygote / embryo doctor may choose only the best quality embryos that have the best growth potential that will be transferred to the chances of success maximize term pregnancy while minimizing risk.

[0146] 通过下列本发明的方法进行的评估还可用于确定体外成熟的卵母细胞和体外培养的干细胞的发育潜力。 [0146] assessment by the following methods according to the present invention can be used to determine in vitro developmental potential of oocytes and matured in vitro cultured stem cells.通过本发明的方法获得的关于卵母细胞的发育潜力的信息可指导医生对用于受精的卵母细胞的选择，产生从这些卵母细胞得到胚泡的更高的成功可能性。 Developmental potential information obtained by the process of the present invention on oocytes physician can guide the selection of a fertilized oocyte, resulting in a higher likelihood of success blastocysts from these oocytes.同样，关于干细胞的发育潜力的信息可告知医师对例如在需要其的受治疗者中体内重组或替换组织的程序中使用的干细胞的选择。 Similarly, information about the developmental potential of stem cells may inform the physician to select stem cells used in the program, for example, a subject in need thereof or in vivo recombination in tissue replacement.

[0147] 试剂、设备和试剂盒 [0147] Reagents, equipment, and kits

[0148] 同样提供的是用于实行上文描述的方法中的一种或多种的其试剂、设备和试剂盒。 [0148] Also provided is a method for carrying out the above described in which one or more reagents, equipment, and kits.其主题试剂、设备和试剂盒可变化很大。 The theme reagents, equipment and kits can vary widely.就测量上文提及的细胞参数中的任一个的方法而言，感兴趣的试剂和设备包括上文所提及的那些，其中这些试剂可包括培养板、培养基、显微镜、成像软件、成像分析软件、核酸引物、核酸探针的阵列、抗体、信号生产系统试剂等等，取决于待进行的具体的测量程序。 The purpose of measuring method according to any one of the above-mentioned cellular parameters, reagents, and devices of interest include those mentioned above, wherein the agents may include plates, medium, microscopy, imaging software, imaging analysis software, a primer nucleic acid, a nucleic acid probe array, antibodies, signal producing system reagents and the like, depending on the specific measurement procedures to be performed.例如，如上文所描述的，试剂可包括对基因Cof illin、DIAPHl、ECT2、MYLC2/MYL5、DGCR8、Dicer/DICERl、TARBP2、CPEBl、Symplekin/SYMPK、YBX2、ZARl、CTNNBl、DNMT3B、TERT, YYl、IFGR2/IFNGR2、BTF3 和NELF 中的一种或多种具有特异性的PCR引物。 For example, as described above, the agents may include genes Cof illin, DIAPHl, ECT2, MYLC2 / MYL5, DGCR8, Dicer / DICERl, TARBP2, CPEBl, Symplekin / SYMPK, YBX2, ZARl, CTNNBl, DNMT3B, TERT, YYl, IFGR2 / IFNGR2, BTF3 NELF and one or more specific PCR primers.试剂的其他实例包括包含对感兴趣的基因中的一种或多种具有特异性的引物或由感兴趣的这些基因编码的蛋白的抗体的阵列。 Other examples include agents comprising a gene of interest having one or more primers specific arrays or encoded by a gene of the protein of interest is an antibody.

[0149] 除了上文的元件，主题试剂盒将进一步包括用于实行主题方法的说明书。 [0149] In addition to the description element, the subject kits will further include an implementation of the subject method described above.这些说明书将以各种形式存在于主题试剂盒中，其中的一个或多个可存在于试剂盒中。 These instructions will be present in various forms in the subject kits, the one or more of which may be present in the kit.这些说明书可存在于其中的一种形式是作为在适合的介质或基底上的打印的信息，例如信息被打印于其上的一张或几张纸，在试剂盒的包装中，在包装说明书中等。 One form in which these instructions may be present therein as a medium on a suitable substrate or printed information, such as a sheet or sheets of paper to be printed on the information thereon, in the packaging of the kit, in a package insert medium .还有另一种方式将是信息已经被记录于其上的计算机可读的介质，例如软盘、⑶等。 Yet another way is the information that has been recorded thereon a computer-readable medium, such as a flexible disk, ⑶ like.可存在的还有另一种方式是可经由互联网使用在移动站点获得信息的网站地址。 There may exist another way is to use the website address for information in the mobile station via the Internet.任何常规方式可存在于试剂盒中。 Any conventional means may be present in the kit.

[0151] 上文描述的方法中的一些需要经由时差成像观察胚胎和干细胞发育的能力。 [0151] The method described above requires some Embryonic stem cell development and imaging capability via a time difference.这可使用由可适于标准孵育器内部的微型、多通道显微镜阵列构成的系统获得。 This may be adapted to be used by a standard miniature inside the incubator, a multi-channel system consisting of a microscope array obtained.这允许将多个样品迅速并且同时成像而不必在物理上移动皿。 This allows rapid and simultaneous imaging of multiple samples without having to physically move dish.显示于图20中的一种说明性原型由具有暗视野照明的3通道显微镜阵列构成，尽管可使用其他类型的照明。 Shown in FIG. 20, one illustrative prototype array 3 is constituted by a microscope having a dark field illumination channels, although other types of lighting can be used.“三通道”意指有将三个不同培养皿同时成像的三个独立的显微镜。 "Three-channel" is meant three separate dish while three different microscope imaging.用步进电机调整聚焦或获取3D图像栈(imagestack)的焦点位置。 Or adjusting the focus acquire a 3D image stack (imagestack) with the focal position of the stepping motor.白光LED被用于照明，尽管我们已经观察到对于人类胚胎来说红色或近红外(IR)LED可提高细胞膜和细胞内部之间的对比度。 White LED is used for illumination, although we have observed that for human embryos for red or near-infrared (the IR) LED can increase the contrast between the interior and cell membrane.这一提高的对比度可用手动和自动的成像分析来辅助。 This can be used to improve the contrast of manual and automated image analysis to assist.此外，移至红外区可减少对样品的光毒性。 Further, the infrared region may be moved to reduce the toxicity of the sample light.由低成本高分辨率摄像头获取图像，但是可使用其他类型的照相机。 The image acquired by a low-cost high-resolution camera, but may be other types of cameras.

[0152] 如图22中所示，上文描述的原型系统的每个显微镜被用来将可包含1-30个不等的胚胎的培养皿成像。 [0152] As shown in FIG. 22, each microlens prototype system described above can be used to contain 1-30 embryos ranging imaging dish.显微镜收集来自与帮助消散由LED产生的任何热量的散热装置连接的白光LED的光，其对于短的曝光时间来说非常小。 White LED light microscope were collected from the heat sink to help dissipate any heat generated by the LED is connected, which is very small for a short exposure time is.光通过挡住直射光的常规暗视野片，通过聚光透镜到样本标记的“有盖培养皿”上，其是保留被培养和研究的胚胎的培养皿。 By conventional dark field light blocking direct light sheet, through the condenser lens to the sample labeled "Petri dish", which is a reserved culture dish and cultured embryos studied.培养皿可具有帮助在将皿带入或带出孵育器时保留细胞的次序并且阻止它们移动的孔。 Cell culture dish may have a retention time of order help the dish into or out of the incubator and prevent movement of the aperture thereof.孔可以是空间上足够接近在一起以便胚胎可共享同一个培养基滴头。 The hole may be spatially close enough together so that the embryo may share the same media drop.之后散射光通过显微镜物镜，之后通过消色差双合透镜(achromat doublet)并且到CMOS传感器上。 After the scattered light through the microscope objective lens after the doublet (achromat doublet) achromatic and through to the CMOS sensor.CMOS传感器作为数码相机并且与计算机连接以便如上文所述的图像分析和示踪。 As digital cameras and CMOS sensors connected for image analysis as described above and a tracer with the computer.

[0153] 这一设计容易改变大小以提供多得多的通道和不同的照明技术并且可被修改以适应用于进样的流体设备。 [0153] This design is easy to change the size to provide many more channels and different lighting techniques and may be modified to accommodate a fluid apparatus for injections.此外，设计可与反馈控制系统整合，其中将培养条件例如温度、CO2 (以控制pH)和培养基基于反馈并从成像数据实时优化。 Furthermore, the design may be integrated with a feedback control system, wherein the culture conditions such as temperature, of CO2 (to control pH), and the medium based on feedback from the imaging data and real-time optimization.这一系统被用于获取人类胚胎发育的时差视频，其在确定用于体外受精(IVF)程序的胚胎成活力中具有实用。 This system is used to obtain the time difference video human embryo development, which has utility in determining in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures viability of embryos.其他应用包括干细胞治疗、药物筛选和组织工程。 Other applications include stem cell therapy, tissue engineering and drug screening.

[0154] 在设备的一个实施方案中，照明由安装在铝散热装置上并且由BuckPuck电流调节驱动供能的Luxeon白光发射二极管(LED)提供。 [0154] In one embodiment of the apparatus, the illumination apparatus is mounted on an aluminum heat sink and adjusts the white Luxeon powered by the drive current BuckPuck emitting diode (LED) provided.来自LED的光通过准直透镜。 Light from the LED by the collimator lens.之后如图22中所示准直光通过定制激光加工挡光片并且使用非球面聚光透镜聚焦为中空的光锥。 As shown in Figure 22 after collimated light by the laser processing custom gobo and aspheric condenser lens focusing a hollow cone of light.直接透射通过样品的光被物镜拒绝，而由样品散射的光被收集。 Direct light transmitted through the sample of the objective lens is rejected, and the light scattered by the sample is collected.在一个实施方案中，使用具有20X放大率的Olympus物镜,尽管可使用更小的放大率以增加视野,或可使用更大的放大率以增加分辨率。 In one embodiment, using an Olympus 20X objective lens having a magnification, although less may be used to increase the magnification of the field of view, magnification or greater may be used to increase the resolution.之后将收集的光通过消色差双合透镜(即镜筒透镜)以减少染色质和球面相差的影响。 After the light collected by achromatic doublet lens (i.e. a lens barrel) to reduce the effects of spherical aberration and chromatin.可选择地，从成像物镜收集的光可通过指向相反的方向的作为对镜筒透镜的替代的另一个物镜。 Alternatively, the light collected by the imaging objective point in opposite directions as the other alternative objective lens barrel.在一个实施方案中，成像物镜可以是1X物镜，而镜筒透镜可以是4X物镜。 In one embodiment, the imaging lens may be a 1X objective and a tube lens may be a 4X objective.所得到的图像可通过具有2兆像素分辨率(1600x1200像素)的CMOS传感器捕捉。 The resulting image captured by the CMOS sensor 2 having a mega pixel resolution (1600x1200 pixels).也可使用不同类型的传感器和分辨率。 Also you may use different types of sensors and resolution.

[0155] 图23A显示具有3个相同的显微镜的多通道显微镜阵列的照片。 [0155] FIG. 23A shows a microscope photograph of a multi-channel array having three identical microscope.所有光学元件被安装在显微镜筒中。 All optical elements are mounted in the microscope barrel.在阵列系统的操作中，有盖培养皿被装载在安装在手动2轴倾斜台的聚丙烯平台上，其允许相对于光轴调整像平面。 In operation of the array system, the Petri dish is loaded on the platform mounted on the polypropylene manual 2-axis tilt stage, which allows adjustment of the optical axis with respect to the image plane.这些台被固定在显微镜的底座上并且在初始对准之后没有移动。 The table is fixed and does not move on the base after the initial alignment of the microscope.由LED、平行光管透镜、挡光片和聚光透镜组成的照明组件被安装手动xyz台上以便放置并且聚焦照明光。 Lighting of the LED assembly, collimator lens, the light blocking sheet and the condensing lenses are mounted so as to be placed manually xyz stage and focused illumination light.由物镜、消色差透镜和CMOS传感器组成的成像组件同样安装在手动xyz台上以便将视野定位并且将物镜聚焦。 Imaging assembly by an objective lens, achromatic lens and CMOS sensors is also mounted on the manual xyz stage and positioned so that the field of view of the objective lens focus.所有3个成像组件被连接至线性滑轨并且由使用步进电机驱动的单个杠杆臂支撑。 All three imaging assembly is connected to the linear slide and is driven by a stepping motor using a single lever arm support.这允许图像栈的电脑控制的聚焦和自动捕获。 This allows the image stack of computer-controlled automatic focusing and capturing.可使用自动聚焦以及驱动(actuat1n)的其他方法。 Other methods autofocus and a drive (actuat1n) may be used.

[0156] 如图23B中所示，将显微镜阵列放置在标准孵育器内部。 [0156] As shown in FIG. 23B, the microscope array positioned internal standard incubator.CMOS图像传感器经过USB连接与位于孵育器内部的单个集线器(hub)连接，其传递至伴随其它通信和电源线路的外部PC。 CMOS image sensors with a single connection via USB hub (Hub) located inside the incubator, which is transmitted to the other communication and power line along the external PC.所有电子线缆通过用硅酮胶密封的橡皮塞的中心引出孵育器。 Electronic cables drawn through the center of the incubator with a silicone rubber stopper of the sealant.

[0157] 上文描述的显微镜阵列被用于记录早期人类胚胎发育的时差图像并且证明了从合子开始经过胚泡期的生长。 [0157] array microscope described above is used for recording an image difference early human embryonic development from zygote growth and demonstrates elapsed blastocyst stage.四个不同的实验监测了总共242个胚胎。 Four different experiments monitored a total of 242 embryos.这一组中，将100个胚胎成像直到第5或6天；将其他胚胎在基因表达分析的不同时间点从成像位置移出。 In this group, 100 embryos were imaged until 5 or 6 days; the other embryonic expression analysis at different time points are removed from the imaging position of a gene.图像捕获软件的屏幕截图和所成像的胚胎示于图24中。 Screenshot image capture software and imaged embryos 24 shown in FIG.以每张图像大致I秒的低曝光每5分钟捕获图像。 In the image I generally low exposure per second captured image every 5 minutes.样品接收的光的总量等于24分钟的持续曝光，与在处理期间在IVF诊所中经历的总水平相似。 The total amount of light received by the sample is equal to 24 minutes continuous exposure, similar to the total level experienced in IVF clinic during processing.每张图像I秒持续时间的曝光是可以减少的。 Exposure image I per sec duration can be reduced.在用人类胚胎操作之前，我们用小鼠植入前胚胎进行了多方面的对照实验以确保胚泡形成速度和基因表达模式不受成像过程的影响。 Before operating with human embryos, with mouse preimplantation embryo we made various experiments in order to ensure that the impact control blastocyst formation rate and gene expression patterns from the imaging process.

[0158] 图25和26显示来自时差序列的选择的图像。 [0158] FIGS. 25 and 26 show the difference from the selected image sequence.显示了第I天、第2.5天、第4天和第5.5天的图像。 Shows the day I, day 2.5, 5.5 day 4 and day image.对于图25中所示的序列，9个胚胎中的3个发育为胚泡，对于图26中显示的序列，12个胚胎中的5个发育为胚泡。 For the sequence shown in FIG. 25, nine three embryos develop into blastocysts, to the sequence shown in FIG. 26, 12 of the 5 embryos developed into blastocysts.随时间关注单个胚胎，即便它们在摄影区内的位置由于胚胎在第3天经历培养基更换而转移。 Follow single embryo over time, because even if they are subjected embryos on day 3 the medium was replaced and the transfer position of the photographing area.需要使用连续培养基来满足发育中胚胎的阶段特异性需求。 We need to use the media to meet the continuous development of the embryo stage-specific needs.在培养基更换期间，将胚胎从成像位置移出几分钟并且转移至新的有盖培养皿中。 During the replacement of the medium, the embryos were removed from the imaging position minutes and transferred to a new petri dish.为了在培养基更换期间掌握每个胚胎的身份，将样品从一个皿至其他皿的转移摄影以证实胚胎没有被弄混。 In order to master the medium was replaced during the identity of each embryo, the sample is transferred from one dish to another dish photography to confirm the embryo is not confused.在收集用于基因表达分析的样品期间同样使用这一过程。 This process is also used during sample collection for gene expression analysis.追踪胚胎身份的问题可以通过使用孔以帮助将胚胎以特定顺序排列而解决。 Tracking embryo identity can be solved by using the hole to help the embryo particular order and resolve.

[0159] 具有微孔的有盖培养皿 [0159] Petri dish having micropores

[0160] 当在不同的位置之间转移有盖培养皿时，胚胎有时可能移位，致使难以掌握胚胎身份。 [0160] When the transfer between different positions in a petri dish, the embryo may sometimes shift, making it difficult to grasp the embryo identity.当在一个位置进行时差成像并且随后胚胎被移至用于胚胎选择和转移的第二个位置时提出了挑战。 It poses a challenge when the time difference is then imaged at a position and moved to the second position by the embryo for embryo transfer and selection.一个方法是在单独的有盖培养皿中培养胚胎。 The method of culturing embryonic is a separate petri dish.然而，这需要每个胚胎具有其自己的培养基滴头。 However, this requires each embryo has its own media drop.在典型的IVF程序中，通常期望在同一个有盖培养皿中并且用同一个培养基滴头培养患者的全部胚胎。 In a typical IVF procedure generally desirable to have all of the same embryo culture Petri dishes and treated with the same media drop patient.为了解决这一问题，我们已经设计了具有微孔的定制有盖培养皿。 To solve this problem, we have designed a custom microporous petri dish.这在转移到或转移出孵育器或成像位点时防止胚胎移位并且保持它们在有盖培养皿上的排列。 This prevents displacement of the embryo and to keep them aligned in the Petri dish when transferred into or out of the incubator or imaging site.此外，孔是足够小并且空间上靠近在一起的以便它们可分享同一个培养基滴头并且所有的由同一个显微镜同时观察。 Further, the holes are small enough and the space can be close together so that they share the same media drop was observed and all together by the same microscope.每个微孔的底部表面具有光学品质光洁度。 A bottom surface of each well has an optical quality finish.图27A显示具有一个实施方案的尺寸的图。 FIG 27A shows a size with FIG embodiment.在这一视图中，在1.7x1.7_的视野中有25个空间上靠近在一起的微孔。 In this view, there are pores 25 in the spatially close together in the field of view 1.7x1.7_.图27B显示微孔的3D视图，其凹入皿表面中约100微米。 FIG 27B shows a 3D view of the micropores, in which the concave surface of the dish about 100 microns.皿上包括基信标记(包括字母、数字和其他标记)，以帮助鉴别。 Including a fiduciary marker group (including letters, numbers and other indicia), to help identify the dish.

[0161] 本文引用的所有参考文献通过引用以其整体并入本文。 [0161] All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

实施例 Example

[0162] 列出以下实施例以对为本领域那些技术人员提供如何进行和使用本发明的公开内容和描述，并且不意为限制发明人认为是本发明的范围，它们也不意为表示以下实验是进行的所有或仅有的实验。 [0162] The following examples are present in order to provide those skilled in the art how to make and use the disclosure and description of the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention is considered to be the invention, nor are they intended to represent the following experiments all or the only experiments performed.已经努力确保就所使用的数字(如量、温度等等)而言的准确性，但应考虑到一些实验误差和偏差。 Efforts have been made to ensure that digital (such as volume, temperature, etc.) in terms of accuracy to be used, but should take into account some experimental errors and deviations.除非另外指明，否则份是重量份，分子量是重量平均分子量，温度是摄氏度，压力是大气压或接近大气压。 Unless indicated otherwise, parts are parts by weight, molecular weight is weight average molecular weight, temperature is in degrees Centigrade, and pressure is at or near atmospheric.

[0163] 样品来源 [0163] Sample Origin

[0164] 这一研究中所用的所有胚胎是在多年期间的能力收集的并且由多个胚胎学家受精并且冷冻保存。 [0164] All embryos used in this study is the ability to save collected during the years and fertilized by multiple embryologists and frozen.我们的研究中每个患者的平均胚胎数目是3并且包括在一般IVF中心遇到的所有年龄组。 The average number of embryos in our study, each patient is 3 and includes all age groups in the general IVF centers encounter.值得注意地，用于这些实验的所有胚胎是IVF产生的(与ICSI相反)，因此胚胎来源于具有相对正常的功能的精子(至少就它们穿透卵丘、透明带和卵膜并且形成前核的能力而言)。 Notably, all embryos used in these experiments is the sperm (at least in terms of their cumulus penetrate, a transparent film and is formed with front and egg nuclei (ICSI and vice versa), and therefore relatively normal embryos derived from a function generated by IVF in terms of capacity).刺激程序是标准的长Iupron方案(cdc.gov/art)。 Stimulation procedure is a standard long Iupron scheme (cdc.gov/art).额外的人类胚胎的冷冻保存通过将它们于室温(22+2°C )放置在冷冻培养基(1.5M 1，2丙二醇+0.2M蔗糖)上25分钟来完成。 Additional human embryos cryopreserved by placing them on a freezing medium (1.5M 1,2-propanediol + 0.2M sucrose) for 25 minutes at room temperature to complete (22 + 2 ° C).之后使用缓慢冷冻方案(-1°C /分钟至-6.5°C ;保持5分钟；接种；保持5分钟；-0.5°C /分钟至-80°C;投入液氮中)将胚胎冷冻。 After using the slow freezing protocol (-1 ° C / minute to -6.5 ° C; for 5 min; vaccination; for 5 min; -0.5 ° C / min to -80 ° C; liquid nitrogen into) the embryo freezing.委员会。 Commission.没有受保护的健康信息可与胚胎相关联。 No protected health information may be associated with embryos.

[0165] 确认一大组冷冻保存的胚胎并且进行下列观察:1)胚胎证实指示正常胚胎发育的界标方式的时机，所述界标包括:卵裂为2个细胞(在第2天早期发生)，RNA降解的开始(在第I至3天发生)，卵裂为4和8个细胞(分别在第2天和第3天晚期发生)，胚胎基因组的活化(在第3天8细胞阶段)以及桑椹胚和胚泡的形成(分别在第4和5天发生)。 [0165] confirmed that a large group of cryopreserved embryos and the following observations were made: 1) embryo confirmed timing indicating landmark manner normal embryonic development of the landmarks comprises: cleavage of two cells (occurred in the early day 2), RNA degradation begins (1-3 days occurred in the I), cleavage of 4 and 8 cells (respectively occurs late in the second day 3), the activation of the embryonic genome (on day 38 cell stage) and morula and blastocyst formation (and 5, respectively, occurring in 4 days).2)胚胎证实达到为典型的在临床情况下获得的胚胎的胚泡阶段的效率。 2) the efficiency of the embryo reaches the blastocyst stage demonstrated typical clinical situation obtained in embryos.这很可能归因于胚胎在2PN阶段被冷冻并且代表在IVF会诊中遇到的胚胎的阵列这一事实，因为在于I细胞阶段(典型的在第3天或胚泡阶段较晚冷冻保存的胚胎)冷冻保存之前没有进行将会或者将不会发育这样的“类选法(triage)”。 This is likely due to the 2PN stage embryos are frozen in an array and IVF embryos encountered in the consultation representative of the fact that, because in that phase I cells (typically frozen late on day 3 or blastocyst stage embryos stored ) no will or will not develop such a "triage (triage)" before cryopreservation.因此，我们的数据证实与在典型的IVF诊所中观察到的那些相比这些胚胎表现出相似的胚泡形成速率。 Thus, our data demonstrate that these embryos compared to those observed in typical IVF clinics exhibited similar rate of blastocyst formation.3)之前的研究已经证实与新鲜胚胎相比于2PN阶段保存的胚胎表现出发育、移植、临床妊娠和分娩的相似的潜力。 Previous studies 3) it has been demonstrated with fresh embryos compared to save the 2PN stage embryos showed developmental, transplantation, clinical pregnancy and childbirth similar potential.其他的研究对于冷冻的卵母细胞同样显示相似的结果，我们的研究同样显示，对于冷冻的卵母细胞相似的结果表明人类胚胎发育的最早事件在冷冻保存后保持适当的时间线。 Other studies have also shown similar results for frozen oocytes, our study also shows that, for the freezing of oocytes similar results show that the human embryo is the earliest event to maintain an appropriate timeline after cryopreservation.4)我们关注不取决于受精的时间或者解冻时间的参数。 4) We are concerned about not depending on the time of fertilization or thawing parameters of time.我们测量的第一个参数(第一次胞质分裂的持续期间)具有很短的持续时间(大约10-15分钟)并且并不取决于这一研究中的受精的时间(其能够在所有胚胎中被独立测量而不管最终结果)。 The first parameter we measured (duration of first cytokinesis division) has a very short duration (about 10-15 minutes) and does not depend on the time of fertilization in this study (which can be in all embryos They are measured independently regardless of the final result).而且，相对于这一初始测量点测量所有随后的参数并且将在成功发育为胚泡和未能发育为胚泡的胚胎之间进行比较。 Further, all subsequent phase measurements and parameters for the initial measurement point will be compared between successful and development of the blastocyst embryos failed to develop to blastocysts.5)最终，我们注意到为3PN的新鲜(未冷冻的)胚胎已知按照与新鲜正常胚胎相同的时间框架发育；我们比较了我们从斯坦福IVF诊所获得的新鲜3PN胚胎中的参数并且观察到它们与我们冷冻保存的胚胎或公开的报告的那些没有不同。 5) Finally, we note that 3PN fresh (not frozen) fresh embryos according to a known normal embryonic development of the same time frame; we compared our parameter fresh 3PN embryos obtained from IVF clinics Stanford and observed to those who do not differ from our cryopreserved embryos or published reports.

[0166] 实验计划 [0166] experimental program

[0167] 在四个实验设置中，我们追踪242个前核期胚胎(分别是61、80、64和37个)的发育。 [0167] In the experimental setup four, we track 242 pronuclear stage embryos (61,80,64 and 37, respectively) development.在实验的每个设置中，在第I天将人类合子解冻并且以小组培养在多个板上。 In each set of experiments, at day I thawed human zygotes cultured in small groups and a plurality of plates.在不同的成像位置在暗视野照明下用时差显微术独立观察每个板。 In the different imaging positions independently of each plate was the difference observed in the dark field microscopy illumination.以大约24小时的时间间隔，从成像系统移除一个板的胚胎并且收集为单个的胚胎或单个的细胞(卵裂球)用于高通量实时定量PCR基因表达分析。 At time intervals of about 24 hours, the embryo is removed from a plate imaging system and collected as a single embryos or single cells (blastomeres) for high throughput quantitative real-time PCR gene expression analysis.每个板通常包含在收获时达到所期望的发育阶段的胚胎(称为“正常的”)和在较早的发育阶段停滞或延迟或者极大破碎的那些(称为“异常的”)的混合物。 Each plate typically comprises a mixture reaches the desired developmental stage at harvest embryos (referred to as "normal"), and delay or stagnation at an earlier stage of development or the maximum those broken (referred to as "abnormal") of .将胚胎作为单一的完整胚胎分析或者分离为单一的卵裂球，之后进行基因特异性RNA扩增。 The analysis, or separated into single blastomeres, followed by amplification of gene specific RNA as a single integrated fetal embryos.将一亚组的胚胎(242个中的100个)成像直到第5或6天以便监测胚泡形成。 The embryos are a subset (100 in 242) forming 5 or 6 days until blastocyst formation so as to monitor.

[0168] 人类胚胎培养和显微镜 [0168] Culture of human embryonic and microscope

[0169] 通过将冷冻瓶从液氮贮槽移出并且将它们放置于室温将人类胚胎解冻。 [0169] Human embryonic by thawing frozen vial was removed from liquid nitrogen storage tank and they were left at room temperature.一旦将小瓶解冻，将其打开并且胚胎在解剖显微镜下可见。 Once the vial was thawed, it was opened and the embryo is visible under a dissecting microscope.之后将小瓶的内容物倒入3003培养皿的底部，胚胎被放入滴头并且评估和记录每个胚胎的存活。 After the vial contents were poured into the bottom of the dish 3003, and the embryos are placed dripper recording and evaluation of each embryo survival.在室温，将胚胎转移至3037培养皿，其包含1.0M 1，2丙二醇+0.2M蔗糖5分钟，之后0.5M 1，2丙二醇+0.2M蔗糖5分钟和0.0M 1，2丙二醇+0.2M蔗糖5分钟。 At room temperature, the embryos were transferred to a Petri dish 3037, which contains 1.0M 1,2-propanediol + 0.2M sucrose for 5 minutes before 0.5M 1,2-propanediol + 0.2M sucrose, 0.0M 1,2-propylene glycol and 5 minutes + 0.2M sucrose 5 minutes.随后，使用油下的微滴，在第I至3天之间将胚胎在补充了10% Quinn，s Advantage 血清蛋白替代物(SPS ；CooperSurgical)的Quinn，sAdvantage卵裂培养基(CooperSurgical)中培养并且在第3天之后在具有10% SPS的Quinn' s Advantage胚泡培养基(CooperSurgical)中培养。 Subsequently, under the use of oil droplets, between I and 3 days the embryos were supplemented with 10% Quinn, s Advantage serum protein substitute (SPS; CooperSurgical) Quinn's, sAdvantage cleavage medium (CooperSurgical) cultured Quinn and after 3 days of having 10% SPS 's Advantage blastocyst medium (CooperSurgical) cultured.所有这些实验使用相同类型的卵裂期培养基，除了在第一个实验中的两个位置，其使用Global培养基(LifeGlobal，Guilford，CT)。 All of these experiments using the same type of cleavage of the medium, in addition to two positions in the first experiment, using Global media (LifeGlobal, Guilford, CT).在这一个小的亚组(12个胚胎)中，胚胎表现出稍微低的胚泡形成速度(12个中的3个，或25% )，但是对于这个组我们预测参数的敏感性和特异性都是100%。 In this small subgroup (12 embryos), the embryos exhibited a slightly lower blastocyst formation rate (in the 12 3, or 25%), but for this set of sensitivity and specificity of our prediction parameters It is 100%.

[0170] 在多个系统上进行时差成像以适应多个样品的同时分析并且验证不同平台的数据的一致性。 [0170] difference imaged simultaneously on multiple systems to accommodate multiple sample analysis and verification of the consistency of data from different platforms.系统由7个不同的显微镜组成:(I)装备了Tokai Hit加热台、白光LuxeonLED和用于暗视野照明的光圈的两个修改的Olympus IX-70/71显微镜；(2)装备了加热台、白光Luxeon LED和霍夫曼Modulat1n Contrast illuminat1n(调制相衬照明)的两个修改的Olympus IX-70/71显微镜(注意:决定暗视野照明对于测量参数来说是优选的之后仅在4个实验中的第一个期间使用这些系统)；和(3)适于标准孵育器内部的定制3通道微型显微镜阵列，装备有白光Luxeon LED和用于暗视野照明的孔。 The system consists of seven different microscopic composition: (I) equipped with a heating stage Tokai Hit, white LuxeonLED two modified for dark-field illumination aperture Olympus IX-70/71 microscope; (2) equipped with a heating stage, white Luxeon LED and the Huffman Modulat1n Contrast illuminat1n (modulation phase contrast illumination) two modified Olympus IX-70/71 microscope (Note: dark-field illumination for decision is preferably measured parameter only after four experiments during the first use of these systems); and (3) is adapted to a standard incubator custom channel 3 inside the micro-array microscope, equipped with a hole and a white Luxeon LED dark field illumination.我们观察到在发育行为、胚泡形成速度或基因表达谱上在这些不同系统上培养的胚胎之间没有显著差别；事实上，我们的用于胚泡预测的参数在多个系统和实验之间是一致的。 We observed no significant difference between cultured on these different systems on behavior development, embryonic blastocyst formation rate or gene expression profile; in fact, our prediction parameters for the blastocyst between a plurality of systems and experiments It is the same.

[0171] 所有系统的光强度都比辅助生殖显微镜通常使用的光低得多，归因于LED的低功率(相对于通常10W的卤素灯泡)和照相机传感器的高灵敏度。 [0171] than the light intensity of all the auxiliary light reproductive systems commonly used microscopes much lower, due to the high sensitivity of the low power LED (with respect to the halogen bulb of 10W typically), and the camera sensor.使用光功率计，我们确定在473nm的波长典型的辅助生殖显微镜(Olympus IX-71霍夫曼调制相衬)的功率在大约7至1mW的范围内( 取决于放大率)，而我们的成像系统的功率在相同的波长测量在0.2和0.3mff之间。 Using the power meter, we determined in 473nm wavelength typical power assisted reproductive microscope (Olympus IX-71 Hoffman modulation contrast) is in the range of about 7 to 1mW (depending magnification), the imaging system and our power measured at the same wavelength between 0.2 and 0.3mff.以I秒的曝光时间每5分钟捕获图像多达5至6天，产生约24分钟的持续曝光，在0.3mff的功率，其等于在典型的辅助生殖显微镜下大约I分钟的曝光。 I second to 5 minutes of exposure time of each image captured up 5-6 days, a sustained exposure of about 24 minutes, 0.3mff power, which is equal to about I minute exposure at typical assisted reproduction microscope.

[0172] 为了在相关的成像和基因表达实验期间追踪每个胚胎的身份，我们在立体显微镜上安装了摄像机并且记录培养基更换和样品收集期间样品转移的过程。 [0172] In order to track the identity of each embryo during the associated imaging and gene expression experiments, we installed a camera in a stereomicroscope and during sample transfer recording medium was replaced and the sample collection.我们用小鼠植入前胚胎(η = 56)和一小亚组的人类胚胎(η = 22)进行对照实验并且在成像的和对照的胚胎之间的胚泡形成速度上没有观察到显著的差异(P = 0.96)。 We used mouse preimplantation embryo (η = 56) and human embryonic a small subset (η = 22) and control experiments was not observed at the blastocyst formation significantly between the imaging speed and control embryos difference (P = 0.96).

[0173] 高通量qRT-PCR分析 [0173] High throughput qRT-PCR analysis

[0174] 对于单个胚胎或单个胚泡qRT-PCR分析来说，首先用酸性Tyrode溶液处理胚胎以除去透明带。 [0174] For a single embryo or blastocyst single qRT-PCR analysis, first of all embryos treated with an acidic Tyrode solution to remove the zona pellucida.为了收集单个卵裂球，用精密移液将胚胎于37°C在具有HEPES的Quinn' sAdvantage无Ca2+Mg2+的培养基(CooperSurgical)中培养5至20分钟。 To collect single blastomeres, the embryos were precision pipetting at 37 ° C in HEPES Quinn having a 'sAdvantage Ca2 + Mg2 + free medium (CooperSurgical) are incubated for 5 to 20 minutes.将样品直接收集至10 μ I反应缓冲液中，随后如之前所描述的进行一步逆转录/预扩增反应。 Samples were collected directly into 10 μ I reaction buffer, as previously described followed by a one-step reverse transcription / amplification reaction pre.在逆转录和预扩增反应期间将合并的20ΧΑΒΙ assay-on-demand qRT-PCR引物和探针混合物(AppliedB1systems)用作基因特异性引物。 During the pre-amplification and reverse transcription reaction combined 20ΧΑΒΙ assay-on-demand qRT-PCR primer and probe mixture (AppliedB1systems) as gene-specific primers.如之前所描述的，用使用ABI assay-on-demandqRT-PCR 探针的Fluidigm B1mark 96.96 Dynamic Array 进行高通量qRT-PCR。 , By using the ABI assay-on-demandqRT-PCR probes Fluidigm B1mark 96.96 Dynamic Array high throughput qRT-PCR as previously described.所有样品以3 或4个技术重复(technical replicate)装载。 Repeat for all samples (technical replicate) loaded with 3 or 4 technology.用qBasePlus (B1gazelle) ^MicrosoftExcel和定制软件进行qRT-PCR数据分析。 qRT-PCR data analysis performed using custom software and MicrosoftExcel qBasePlus (B1gazelle) ^.某些基因在数据分析中被省略，归因于不好的数据质量(例如不好的PCR扩增曲线)或在所评估的胚胎中始终低至无表达。 Some genes are omitted in the data analysis, due to a bad data quality (e.g. poor PCR amplification curves) or embryos evaluated always up no expression.对于卵裂球时期的分析，所使用的母系转录物小组包括DAZL、⑶F3、IFITMl、STELLAR、SYCP3、VASA、⑶F9、PDCD5、ZAR1 和ZP1，而胚胎基因小组包括ATF7IP、CCNA1、EIF1AX、EIF4A3、H2AFZ、HSP70.1、JARID1B、LSM3、PABPCl和SERTAD1。 For the analysis of the blastomere period, maternal transcripts Panel include DAZL, ⑶F3, IFITMl, STELLAR, SYCP3, VASA, ⑶F9, PDCD5, ZAR1 and ZP1, whereas the embryonic gene group comprising ATF7IP, CCNA1, EIF1AX, EIF4A3, H2AFZ , hSP70.1, JARID1B, LSM3, PABPCl and SERTAD1.使用geNorm和Λ Λ Ct法计算每种基因相对于参照基因GAPDH和RPLPO以及相对于基因平均值的表达值。 Calculated for each gene using geNorm and Λ Λ Ct method with respect to the reference RPLPO gene GAPDH and relative gene expression values ​​and the mean.经验上基于基因稳定性值和变异系数(对于GAPDH,为1.18和46%以及对于RPLPO,为1.18和34% )，选择GAPDH和RPLPO作为这一研究的参照基因。 Based on genetic stability, and coefficient of variation values ​​(for GAPDH, and 1.18 and 46% for RPLPO, 1.18, and 34%), and selecting GAPDH as reference gene RPLPO this study empirically.这些在我们测试的10个管家基因中是最稳定的并且正好在典型的异源样品集合的范围中。 These are the most stable and the range of just a typical heterogeneous collection of samples we tested 10 housekeeping genes.第二，我们观察到在单个卵裂球中，如所期望的，GAPDH和RPLPO转录物的量在I细胞和8细胞期之间每次分裂降低约ICt值，符合在人类发育的头3天期间EGA之前不存在新的转录物的情况下每个细胞随着每次卵裂分裂遗传约一半mRNA池的预期。 Second, we observed in single blastomeres, as expected, GAPDH transcripts and the amount of each division RPLPO reduced ICt value between about I cells and 8-cell stage, in line with the first three days of human development with each cell division each cleavage expected about half the genetic pool of mRNA in the absence of a new transcript before EGA period.第三，我们注意到EGA开始之后，单个卵裂球中这些参照基因的表达水平在8细胞至桑椹胚期之间保持稳定。 Third, we note that after the beginning of EGA, single blastomere these reference gene expression levels remained stable between 8-cell to the morula stage.在完整的胚胎水平，RPLPO和GAPDH的Ct值在整个发育中直到桑椹胚期在很大程度上保持恒定，在胚泡期有轻微升高，可能归因于较大数目的卵裂球存在时增加的转录物水平。 In a complete embryo level, Ct value of GAPDH and RPLPO until the morula stage maintained throughout the development largely constant, with a slight increase in the blastocyst stage, there is likely due to the larger number of blastomeres increased transcript levels.在这一研究中进行的基因表达分析中的大部分集中在桑椹胚期之前的发育期，当参照基因的表达水平非常稳定时。 Gene expression analysis performed in this study are mostly concentrated in the developmental stages before the morula stage, when the level of the reference gene expression is very stable.

[0175] 自动细胞跟踪 [0175] Automatic tracking cells

[0176] 我们的细胞跟踪算法使用以序列蒙特卡洛方法为基础的概率框架，其在计算机视觉领域中常被称为粒子滤波器。 [0176] Our cell tracking algorithm used in the Monte Carlo method based on a sequence of probabilistic framework, which is often referred to as a particle filter in the field of computer vision.粒子滤波器随时间追踪三个主要变量的增长:状态、对照和测量。 Growth particle filter tracking the three main variables over time: status, control and measurement.状态变量是胚胎的模型并且表示为椭圆的集合。 Embryo model state variables are represented by an ellipse and set.对照变量是转化状态变量的输入并且由我们的细胞增殖和分裂模型组成。 Control input variable is the conversion of the state variables and by our model composed of cell proliferation and division.测量变量是对状态的观察并且由通过时差显微术获得的我们的图像组成。 State variables are measured and observed by our difference image obtained by microscopy composition.我们对在每个时间步骤的现有状态的估计用后验概率分布来表示，其近似于一组称为粒子的加权样品。 We estimate of the current state at each time step of the posterior probability distribution represented by that approximates a set of weighted samples called particles.我们可相互交替地使用术语粒子和胚胎，其中粒子是给定时间胚胎模型的一个假设。 We can alternately use the terms particles and embryo, wherein the particles are given time to assume a model of the embryo.初始化之后，粒子滤波器重复应用三个步骤:预测、测量和更新。 After initialization, the particle filter repeated application of three steps: prediction, measurement and update.

[0177] 预测:细胞被表示为2D空间中的椭圆并且每个细胞具有方向和重叠指数。 [0177] Prediction: cells are represented as ellipses in 2D space, and each cell having a direction and overlap index.重叠指数详细说明细胞的相对高度。 The relative height of the cell overlap index described in detail.通常，我们希望预测两个类型的行为:细胞运动和细胞分裂。 In general, we want to predict the behavior of two types: cell motility and cell division.对于细胞运动，我们的对照输入采用粒子并且随机扰乱每个细胞的每个参数，包括位置、方向以及长轴和短轴的长度。 For cell motility, we employed a control input and randomly disrupt particles per cell of each parameter, including the length of a position, direction and the major and minor axes.扰乱是随机地从具有相对小的方差(初始化的值的5%)的正常分布取样。 Disturbed stochastically sampling from a normal distribution having a relatively small variance (5% of the value of the initialization) is.对于细胞分裂，我们使用下列方法。 For cell division, we use the following methods.在时间上给定的点，对于每个粒子，我们指定细胞中的一个将要分裂的50%的可能性。 At a given point in time, for each particle, we specify a cell will be split 50% probability.这一值是经验选择的并且包括大范围的可能的细胞分裂同时保持现有构型的良好的覆盖度。 This value was chosen empirically and may include a wide range of cell division while maintaining the existing configuration good coverage.如果预期了分裂，那么将随机选择分裂的细胞。 If the expected split, then will randomly select dividing cells.当细胞被选择来分裂，我们使用沿椭圆的长轴的对称分裂，产生相同大小和形状的两个子细胞。 When the selected cell to divide, we use a symmetrical division along the major axis of the ellipse, the same size and shape to produce two daughter cells.之后我们随机扰乱子细胞的每个值。 We randomly after each value disturb the daughter cells.最后，我们随机选择两个子细胞的重叠指数同时保持它们向对于剩下的细胞的正确的重叠。 Finally, we randomly select two daughter cells overlap index while maintaining their right to overlapping For the remaining cells.

[0178] 使用对照输入之后，我们将每个粒子转化为模拟图像。 [0178] After using the control input, each particle will be converted into an analog image.这通过使用重叠指数将每个细胞的椭圆形形状投射在模拟的图像上来完成。 This is achieved by the use of overlapping elliptical shape of each index projected onto cells in complete analog image.相应的像素值被设定为二元值I并且扩大以产生与所观察到的图像数据同等的膜厚度。 Corresponding pixel value is set as a binary value and I to generate expanded image data equivalent to the film thickness of the observed.由于胚胎是部分透明的并且收集离焦光，胚胎底部的细胞膜仅有时可见。 Since the embryo is collected and partially transparent membrane focus light, only visible when the bottom of the embryo.相应地，具有10%的可能性增加闭合的细胞膜。 Accordingly, an increased likelihood of having a 10% closed cell membrane.实际上，我们已经发现，这些闭合的膜点对于正确的形状建模来说是决定性的，但是使得它们足够稀疏以便它们不类似于可见的边缘是重要的。 In fact, we have found that these membrane closure point is crucial for the proper shape for modeling, but make them sparse enough visible edges are important so that they do not like.

[0179] 测量:一旦我们生成假定模型的分布，就将相应的模拟图像与真实的显微镜图像相比较。 [0179] Measurement: Once we assume distributed generation model, will be compared with the real image corresponding analog microscopic image.显微镜图像是预先进行的以使用基本曲率为基础的方法以及之后的阈值分析产生细胞膜的二值图像。 Is a microscope image using a threshold method, and a curvature substantially in advance based analysis after the binary image generation cell membranes.使用对称截短倒角距离估计比较的准确性，其之后被用于为每个粒子指定重量或者可能性。 Using symmetric truncated chamfer distance estimation accuracy of the comparison, it is used to specify the weight of each particle or after its possibilities.

[0180] 更新:指定重量之后，与它们的重量成比例地选择粒子以产生用于下一个重复的一组新的粒子。 [0180] Update: after a specified weight, in proportion to their weight and the particles selected to produce the next repeat for a new set of particles.这关注最高可能性区域中的粒子分布。 This concerns the possibility of the highest area of ​​the particle distribution.放弃具有低可能性的粒子，而增加具有高可能性的粒子。 Abandon particles have a low probability, and increase the particles have a high probability.使用低方差法进行粒子重采样。 Particles for resampling use a low variance method.

[0181] 如正文中所讨论的，一旦胚胎被建模，我们就可以提取动态显像参数，例如胞质分裂的持续时间和有丝分裂之间的时间。 [0181] As discussed in the text, once the embryos are modeled, we can extract the dynamic imaging parameters, such as time duration between cytokinesis and mitosis.我们的细胞追踪软件之前被应用于Matlab并且估算时间在每张图像两秒至半分钟的范围内(取决于粒子的数目)。 Before our cells and tracking software Matlab is applied to the estimated time of each image in the range of two seconds to half a minute (depending on the number of particles).我们现有的软件版本被应用于C并且计算时间取决于粒子的数目在I至5秒的范围内。 Our existing software version was applied and the number of time C is calculated depending on the particle in the range of I to 5 seconds.

[0185] 将冷冻的I细胞人类胚胎，也称为合子，解冻并且放入培养基中并且在培养条件例如在IVF程序中使用的那些条件下培养。 [0185] Frozen human embryos I cells, also called zygotes, thawed and placed in culture medium and cultured under the culture conditions to those used for example in the IVF program.如上文更加详细地描述的，当它们在2PN期被冷冻并且因此无差别地冷冻保存时，这些胚胎显示是体外受精(IVF)群的典型代表。 As described in more detail below, when they are frozen and thus indifferently of 2PN cryopreserved, the embryos show typical representative of the group of in vitro fertilization (IVF).这与通常在被发现在新鲜周期期间具有最高质量的那些胚胎转移之后发育的较晚期冷冻保存的胚胎相反。 This is in contrast with the preservation of frozen later after development generally found to have the highest quality during those periods of fresh embryos transferred embryos.对于一些实验，胚胎被放置在标准培养皿中。 For some experiments, embryos were placed in a standard petri dish.对于其他实验，胚胎在具有光学品质微孔的定制培养皿中培养。 For other experiments, embryos were cultured in a Petri dish having a customized optical quality of the micropores.

[0186] 之后将生长的胚胎，通常每皿I至30个，用计算机控制的装配用于数码图像存储和分析的显微镜各自时差成像。 [0186] After the growth of embryos, usually I to 30 per dish for microscopic digital image storage and analysis of each difference image with a computer-controlled assembly.在一些实例中，使用装配加热台和孵育箱的倒置显微镜进行时差成像。 In some examples, the assembly was heated using an incubator stations and time difference inverted microscope imaging.在其他实例中，使用适于常规孵育器内部的定制的微型显微镜阵列进行时差成像，其使得在同一孵育器中的多皿样品能够同时培养并且大小可变以适应多通道而没有对连续图像捕获之间的最小时间间隔的限制。 In other examples, using a micro-array suitable for custom microscope inside a conventional incubator difference imaging is performed, so that multiple samples in the same dish can be cultured in the incubator and at the same time to accommodate multichannel variable size without continuous image capture the minimum time interval between the limits.使用多个显微镜同样消除了对移动样品的需要，其增加了系统准确性和整个系统的可靠性。 A plurality of the same microscope eliminates the need for moving the sample, which increases the accuracy and reliability of the entire system.成像系统使用暗视野照明，其为随后的特征提取和图像分析提供增强的图像对比，虽然已经注意到其他照明已经是足够的。 The imaging system using dark-field illumination, which is extracted for subsequent analysis of image features and provide enhanced image contrast, although other lighting has been noted that it is sufficient.将孵育器中的单个显微镜彼此分离，给每个培养皿提供其自己的受控环境。 The single incubator microscope separated from each other, each petri dish to provide its own controlled environment.这允许皿从成像位置转入和转出而不破坏其他样品的环境。 This allows the cells from the cell into and out of the image forming position without damage to the environment of the other samples.

[0187] 收集时差图像用于随后的细胞形态学分析，包括下列细胞参数中的至少一个的测量:第一次胞质分裂的持续时间，第一次和第二次细胞分裂之间的时间间隔以及第二次和第三次细胞分裂之间的时间间隔。 [0187] the difference images collected for subsequent analysis of cell morphology, comprising measuring at least one of the following cellular parameters: duration of time between the first cytokinesis, the first and second spacer cell division and a second and third time interval between the cell division.图中显示的图像是在多达5或6天每5分钟以I秒的曝光时间获取的。 FIG displayed image is an exposure time of 5 minutes every second I acquired in as many as 5 or 6 days.如下文更加详细描述的，第一次胞质分裂通过常在受精后一天发生并且持续约14分钟。 As described in more detail, the first day of cytokinesis often occurs after fertilization and lasts about 14 minutes passed.第一次和第二次细胞分裂通常间隔平均约11小时。 The first and second cell division usually separated by an average of about 11 hours.第二次和第三次细胞分裂通常间隔平均约I小时。 Second and third cell divisions typically an average of about I hour interval.因此，成像是在受精后持续约36小时(加或减几小时)的一段时间。 Thus, imaging is continued for some time at about 36 hours (plus or minus a few hours) after fertilization.

[0188] [0188]

[0189] 一个六天的时间段中通过时差成像证实了培养中健康人类植入前胚胎的发育时间线(图2)。 Time period [0189] confirmed the development of a six-day timeline healthy human preimplantation embryo in culture (FIG. 2) by the time difference imaging.观察到正常人类合子在第2天早期经历第一次卵裂分裂。 Observed in normal human zygote first cleavage division in the first two days early experiences.随后，在第4天紧密结合为桑椹胎之前，胚胎分别在第2天和第3天分裂为4细胞和8细胞胚胎。 Subsequently, on day 4 prior tightly coupled mulberry fetal, embryonic at its 2 and day 3 cells were split into 4 and 8-cell embryos.当全能卵裂球分化为产生类似于胎座的胚胎结构的滋养层细胞或者体内发育为胚胎并且体外发育为多能干细胞的内细胞群时，在胚泡形成期间的第5天和第6天观察到最初的形态学上明显的细胞分化。 5th and 6th day period when the all-round blastomere differentiate into trophoblast cells in vivo or similar embryonic structures placenta and embryo development in vitro development of a cell population within a pluripotent stem cell, blastocyst formation initially observed a significant cell morphological differentiation.

[0190] 接下来我们在四个独立的实验设置中追踪242个正常受精的胚胎并且证实培养至第5天或第6天的样品中正常和停滞的胚胎的分布。 [0190] Next, we track 242 normal fertilized embryos in four separate experimental setup and cultured to confirm the distribution of the sample on day 5 or 6 days in the normal and arrested embryos.在242个胚胎中，将100个胚胎培养至第5天或第6天并且观察胚泡形成速度在33% -53%之间，与在典型IVF诊所的胚泡形成速度相似(图3)。 242 embryos, embryos were cultured to 100 day 5 or day 6 blastocyst formation was observed and the rate between 33% -53%, the blastocyst formation rate in a typical IVF clinic similar (FIG. 3).剩余的胚胎在发育的不同时期停滞，最常在2细胞和8细胞期之间并且被定义为不正常(图3)。 The remaining embryos at different development stages of stagnation, and most often is defined as abnormal (FIG. 3) between 2 and 8 cell stage cells.为了确定预测胚胎成功发育至胚泡阶段的定量成像参数，我们提取并分析了来自时差录像的几个参数，包括卵裂球大小、透明带厚度、破碎的程度、第一个细胞周期的长度、头几次有丝分裂之间的时间间隔和第一次有丝分裂的持续时间。 To determine the success of embryo development to the blastocyst predict quantitative phase imaging parameters, and we analyzed several parameters extracted from the difference video, including blastomere size, the thickness of the zona pellucida, the degree of fragmentation, a cell length of the first cycle, the first few time interval between mitosis and the first time the duration of mitosis.在发育正常和不正常的胚胎的录像图像分析期间，我们观察到在许多停滞的胚胎在第一次细胞分裂期间经历异常的胞质分裂。 During the development of normal and abnormal embryos video image analysis, we observed cytokinesis in many arrested embryos experience during the first abnormal cell division.正常的胚胎在从卵裂沟的出现至子细胞的完全分离的14.3+/-6.0分钟的狭窄的时间窗口中完成胞质分裂，以平稳但是受控的方式。 Normal embryos completed cytokinesis 14.3 +/- 6.0 minutes in a narrow time window from the cleavage furrow appears to completely separate daughter cells in a smooth but controlled manner.这显示于图4顶部。 This is shown at the top of FIG.相反，不正常胚胎通常显示两个异常胞质分裂表型中的一个。 In contrast, abnormal embryos typically displays a two exception cytokinesis phenotypes.在温和的表型中，胞质分裂的形态学和机制似乎是正常的，但是完成过程所需要的时间更长，从额外的几分钟到一小时(图4)。 In mild phenotype, morphology and mechanism of cytokinesis appears to be normal, but the time to complete the process takes longer, the extra few minutes to an hour (Figure 4).偶尔，经历稍微延长的胞质分裂的胚胎仍然发育为胚泡。 Occasionally, experienced slightly prolonged cytokinesis still embryonic development to the blastocyst.在更多的几个表型中，胞质分裂的形态学和机制被扰乱。 In a few more phenotypes, morphology and mechanism of cytokinesis disturbed.例如，如图4的下组中的实施例中所示，胚胎形成单面的卵裂沟并且在最终破碎为较小的部分之前经历一系列不正常的膜边缘波动事件几个小时。 For example, as shown in Example 4 in the group shown, one side of the embryo is formed and undergoes cleavage furrow is broken prior to the final part of a series of small abnormal event membrane ruffling for several hours.同样观察到这些行为的其他变化。 Also observed other changes in these behaviors.另外，证明这些更严重的表型的不正常的胚胎常常变成碎片，提供了胚胎断裂可能是随后导致不正常的胚胎发育的异常胞质分裂的副产物。 In addition, these proved more serious abnormal embryos phenotype often become fragmented, provides the embryo fracture may be subsequently leading to abnormal embryonic development of abnormal cytokinesis byproducts.

[0191] 对我们的图像结果的详细分析表明在胚胎基因活化(EGA)开始之前，在早期分裂期间的胞质分裂和有丝分裂中正常胚胎遵循严格的时间，表明胚胎的发育潜力是由所遗传的母系程序预先决定的。 [0191] A detailed analysis of our image results show that embryonic gene activation (EGA) before the start of the cytoplasm during early cleavage division and mitosis in normal embryos followed strict time, indicating developmental potential of the embryo by the genetic maternal pre-determined program.特别地，我们注意到在早期胚胎的细胞周期中被严格调控的三个时态区间或者参数:(1)第一次胞质分裂的持续期间，(2)第一次和第二次有丝分裂之间的时间间隔和(3)第二次和第三次有丝分裂的同步性。 In particular, we note three-state interval of the cell cycle in the early embryo or when tightly regulated parameters: (1) the duration of the first cytokinesis division, (2) the first and the second mitosis and the time interval between (3) the second and third of synchronous mitosis.这三个时间间隔和形态学变化之间的关系示于图5中，对于正常胚胎，我们测量这些参数分别为大约14.3+/-6.0分钟、 The relationship between these three time intervals and morphological changes are shown in FIG. 5, for normal embryo, we measure these parameters is about 14.3 +/- 6.0 minutes, respectively,

[0192] 我们同样对新鲜(未冷冻保存)的是从单细胞期开始的3PN(三倍体)的胚胎的小集合(η = 10)进行成像。 [0192] We also set small fresh (not frozen) is starting from a single cell of 3PN (triploid) embryos (η = 10) imaging.3ΡΝ胚胎已经显示遵循与正常新鲜胚胎相同的界标事件的时间线直到至少头三个细胞周期。 3ΡΝ embryos have been shown to follow the same normal fresh embryos landmark timeline until at least the first three events of the cell cycle.在我们的主要实验之前将这些胚胎成像以便验证成像系统(但是由于技术原因没有对胚泡实行)。 Before our main experimental imaging embryos in order to verify these imaging systems (but not implemented due to technical reasons blastocyst).这一新鲜胚胎的集合中，3个胚胎遵循与我们的冷冻保存的2ΡΝ胚胎相似的事件时间线，具有从15至30分钟范围的胞质分裂的持续时间，9.6至13.8小时范围内的第一次和第二次有丝分裂之间的时间，0.3至1.0小时范围内的第二次和第三次有丝分裂之间的时间。 This collection of fresh embryos, three embryos followed event timeline with our stored frozen embryos 2ΡΝ similar, having a duration of cytoplasmic division from 15 to 30 minutes range, the first range of 9.6 to 13.8 hours the time between the initial and second mitosis, the second and third range of from 0.3 to 1.0 hours between the time of mitosis.然而，在7个胚胎中，我们观察到独特的胞质分裂表型，其特征为3个卵裂沟同时出现、胞质分裂稍微延长和最终分裂为3个子细胞(图4)。 However, in seven embryos, we observed a unique cytokinesis phenotype characterized by three simultaneous cleavage furrow, slightly prolonged cytokinesis and eventually split into three sub-cells (FIG. 4).这些胚胎具有从15至70分钟范围内的胞质分裂持续时间(特征为卵裂沟的起始直到完全分裂为3个子细胞之间的时间)、8.7至12.7小时范围内的第一次和第二次有丝分裂(3细胞至4细胞)之间的时间以及0.3至2.6小时范围内的第二次和第三次有丝分裂(4细胞至5细胞)之间的时间。 These embryos have a range of from 15 to 70 minutes duration cytokinesis (wherein the cleavage furrow starting time until complete split between the three sub-cells), of the range of 8.7 to 12.7 hours and a the time between the second time between mitosis (cell 3 to cell 4) and the second and third mitosis (cell 4 to cell 5) within the range from 0.3 to 2.6 hours.这一观察与由不正常胚胎表现的胞质分裂表型的不同范围一起表明我们的冷冻保存的胚胎发育上没有被冷冻保存过程延迟并且行为与分裂为两个卵裂球的新鲜合子相似。 This observation, together with a diverse range of cytokinesis phenotype performance by the abnormal embryos show the cryopreservation process is not delayed on embryo cryopreservation and our behavior and split into two blastomeres fresh zygote similar.

[0193] 通过具有约O至33分钟之间的第一次胞质分裂、7.8至14.3小时之间的第一次和第二次有丝分裂之间的时间和O至5.8小时之间的第二次和第三次有丝分裂之间的时间能够预测达到胚泡期的胚胎，分别具有94%和93%的敏感性和特异性(图6)。 [0193] By having cytokinesis of between about O to 33 minutes, of between 7.8 to 14.3 hours and a second time between the second time between mitosis and O to 5.8 hours and a third time between mitosis to predict the embryo reaches the blastocyst stage, respectively 94% and 93% sensitivity and specificity (FIG. 6).相反，表现出这些窗口中的一个或多个之外的值的胚胎被预测停滞。 In contrast, embryos showed values ​​outside of these windows or a plurality of predicted stagnation.所有成功发育为胚泡的正常胚胎在所有三个参数中表现出相似的值。 All blastocysts successfully developed into abnormal embryos showed similar values ​​in all three parameters.相反，不正常的胚胎在它们完成所述间隔所花费的时间的长度上表现出高量的变化性(图6)。 In contrast, abnormal embryos at the completion thereof exhibit a high amount of variability (FIG. 6) on the interval length of time it takes.我们观察到(I)比正常更长的完成第一次胞质分裂的时间段指示不良发育潜力；(2)比正常更长或更短的第一次和第二次细胞分裂之间的间隔表明指示不良发育潜力；和(3)比正常更长或更短的第二次和第三次细胞分裂之间的间隔表明指示不良发育潜力。 We observed (I) first cytokinesis completion longer than normal period of time indicating poor developmental potential; the interval between (2) longer or shorter than normal cell division first and second an indication that stunted growth potential; and (3) than the longer or shorter intervals between normal cell division second and third indication that stunted potential.因此，这些参数是对胚胎行进至胚泡形成的能力和胚泡质量的预测。 Therefore, these parameters are the embryo and the ability to travel to the predicted mass of blastocyst formation of the blastocyst.

[0194] 最后，我们注意到尽管每个参数独立地预测胚胎的发育潜力，但所有三个参数的使用提供了都超过90%的敏感性和特异性，具有3倍于标准偏差的截止点。 [0194] Finally, we note that although each parameter independently predict the developmental potential of the embryo, but all three parameters provides more than 90% sensitivity and specificity, with three times the standard deviation of the cut-off point.这些参数的接受者操作表征(ROC)曲线显示于图7中。 Receiver operating parameters characterizing the (ROC) curve shown in Figure 7.在这一图中的曲线显示不同标准偏差截止的真实阳性率(敏感性)与假阳性率(1-特异性)对比。 In this figure, a graph displaying the standard deviation of the different cutoff true positive rate (sensitivity) and false positive rate (1 - specificity) contrast.为了获取这一R0C，使用了下列数目:真实阳性的数目=34(正确预测达到胚泡)；真实阴性的数目=54(正确预测停滞)；假阳性的数目=4 (不正确预测达到胚泡)；假阴性的数目=2 (不正确预测停滞)。 In order to obtain this R0C, using the following numbers: the number of true positives = 34 (correctly predicted to reach blastocyst); number of true-negative = 54 (correctly predicted stagnation); 4 = number of false positives (incorrectly predicted to reach blastocyst ); the number of false negatives = 2 (incorrectly predicted stagnation).

[0195] 讨论 [0195] discussion

[0196] 我们的分析显示在头三次卵裂分裂期间的有丝分裂和胞质分裂中遵循严格时间的胚胎有高得多的可能发育到胚泡期并且形成具有扩大的内细胞群(ICM)的高质量胚泡。 [0196] Our analysis shows that during the first three cleavage divisions of mitosis and cytokinesis follows strict time embryos may have much higher growth to the blastocyst stage and forming a high with an expanded inner cell mass (ICM) of quality blastocyst.动态形态学参数可被用来选择用于在IVF程序中的转移或冷冻保存的最佳的胚胎。 Dynamic morphological parameters can be used to choose the best embryos for transfer in IVF programs or cryopreserved.这些参数还可用来分辨胚泡的不同品质，允许将组中胚胎的相对发育潜力分级。 These parameters may also be used to distinguish between different quality blastocysts permit relative developmental potential of embryos group classification.ICV诊所中的标准实践是在8细胞期(第3天)转移。 ICV standard practice in the clinic is transferred 8-cell stage (day 3).一些诊所选择将胚胎培养至胚泡期(第5天)，因为胚泡转移与在第3天转移相比最高将植入率加倍。 Some clinics select embryos cultured to the blastocyst stage (day 5), as blastocyst transfer on day 3 and the maximum transfer rate is doubled compared to the implant.然而，很多诊所避免延长培养，归因于增加的表观遗传疾病的风险。 However, many clinics avoid prolonged incubation, due to the increased risk of epigenetic disease.预测成像参数可被用来在4细胞期(第2天)并且在胚胎基因活化之前预测胚胎成活力。 The imaging parameters may be used to forecast and predict the embryo before the embryo viability gene activation in 4-cell stage (day 2).这可允许比通常实行的早整一天并且在胚胎经历它们的分子程序上的显著变化之前将胚胎转移或冷冻保存。 This may allow earlier than usual to implement the entire one day and undergoes significant change in the program prior to their molecular or embryos cryopreserved embryo transfer.这还可允许选择最佳的胚胎，用于PGD或其他类型的分析。 This may also allow to choose the best embryos for PGD or other types of analysis.

[0200] 将冷冻的I细胞人类胚胎，也称为合子，解冻并且放入培养基中并且在培养条件例如在IVF程序中使用的那些条件下培养。 [0200] Frozen human embryos I cells, also called zygotes, thawed and placed in culture medium and cultured under the culture conditions to those used for example in the IVF program.对于一些实验，胚胎被放置在标准培养皿中。 For some experiments, embryos were placed in a standard petri dish.对于其他实验，胚胎在具有光学品质微孔的定制培养皿中培养。 For other experiments, embryos were cultured in a Petri dish having a customized optical quality of the micropores.

[0201] 将胚胎从培养基和成像系统移出并且收集为用于基因表达分析的单个胚胎或单个细胞(卵裂球)。 [0201] Embryos were removed from the culture medium and the imaging system and collected as a single cell embryo or a single analysis of gene expression (blastomeres).每个板通常包含胚胎的混合物，一些在收获的时候达到了所期望的发育阶段而其他的在较早的发育阶段停滞或者广泛破碎。 Each plate of embryos generally comprises a mixture, some of the time of harvest reaches a desired stage of development stagnation other at an early stage of development, or a wide broken.在收获的时候达到了所期望的发育阶段的那些被分类为“正常的”，而停滞的那些被认为是“不正常的”。 At harvest time to reach the desired developmental stage of those are classified as "normal", and the stagnation of those considered "not normal."例如，当为了收集样品将一个板的胚胎在第二天晚期从成像位置移出，已经达到4细胞期并且超过的任何胚胎将被定义为正常的，而没能达到4细胞期的那些将被标记为停滞的。 For example, when the sample is collected embryos to a plate removed from the imaging position in the late next day, and we have reached the 4-cell stage embryos than any will be defined as normal, but did not reach those of cells 4 will be marked It is stagnant.将这些停滞的胚胎按照它们开始停滞的发育期分类，以使在第2天晚期仅具有2个胚泡的胚胎将被分析为停滞的2细胞胚胎。 These arrested embryos according to their developmental stage classification came to a standstill, so that later on day 2 only two embryo blastocysts 2 cell embryo to be analyzed is stagnant.在样品收集的时候小心排除形态学上似乎是死亡的并且有孔的胚胎(例如退化的卵裂球)。 At the time of sample collection carefully exclude the morphology seems to be the death of embryos and has a hole (such as the degradation of blastomeres).仅显示活着的胚胎(正常的和停滞的两种)被用于基因表达分析。 Only living embryos displayed (both normal and stagnation) are used for gene expression analysis.然而，可能的是收集的时候显示正常的胚胎如果它们被允许生长至较晚期的话可能最终停滞。 However, it may be time to display the collection of normal embryos if they are allowed to grow to a later stage, then may eventually stagnate.通过定量RT-PCR(qRT-PCR)进行代表这些种类中的每一种的胚胎的基因表达分析。 Embryo gene of each of these categories representing expression analysis by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR).以大约24小时的间隔，从单个成像系统收集胚胎用于高通量的qRT-PCR基因表达分析，具有对96个样品测定的多达96个基因的多路反应。 To about 24 hour intervals, embryos were collected from a single imaging system for qRT-PCR analysis of high-throughput gene expression, having up to 96 samples measuring 96 genes multiplex reaction.使用Fluidigm B1mark系统进行基因表达分析，其可以纳升的量实现多达9216个同时发生的以TaqMan测定为基础的qRT-PCR反应。 Fluidigm B1mark system using gene expression analysis, an amount which can achieve up to nanoliters 9216 simultaneous reaction qRT-PCR based TaqMan assay.

[0202] MM. [0202] MM.

[0203] 为了解释可能成为形态学事件的基础的分子机制，我们对有关的基因表达谱分析。 [0203] In order to explain the molecular mechanisms may become the basis of morphological events, our analysis of the relevant gene expression profiles.每个样品评估属于不同类别的96个不同基因的表达水平，包括管家基因、生殖细胞标记、母体因子、EGA标记、滋养层标记、内细胞团标记、多潜能标记、表观遗传学调节因子、转录因子、激素受体和其他(表1，在图19中)。 Each sample was assessed as 96 different classes of different expression levels of genes including housekeeping genes, germ cell markers, maternal factors, EGA mark, trophoblast markers, markers of intracellular group, pluripotent markers, epigenetic regulatory factors, transcription factors, hormones and other receptor (table 1, in FIG. 19).在两个不同的实验设定中评估了两个有所不同但是重叠的集合的基因，提供诊断人类胚胎命运的独一无二的基因集合。 Evaluation of two different experiments in two different settings, but overlapping, set of genes, and genes that provide a unique set of diagnostic fate of human embryos.所述独一无二的基因集合是从关于来自模式生物的胚胎或人类胚胎干细胞的基因表达的数据以及从我们自身未公布的微点阵数据编译的。 The unique gene set from the compiled data on gene expression in the embryo or embryonic stem cells from human model organism and unpublished data from our own microarray.在这一研究中第一次展示了人类植入前胚胎中这些基因集合的表达状态。 In this study we demonstrate for the first time before the state of human expression of these genes in embryonic implantation collection.

[0204]使用 geNorm 法(ElToukhy T 等人(2009) Hum Reprod)和AACt 法(Vanneste E 等人(2009) Nat Med 15:577- 83)计算每个基因相对于参照基因GAPDH和RPLPO以及相对于基因平均值的表达值。 [0204] Using method geNorm (al (2009) ElToukhy T etc. Hum Reprod) and AACt method (Vanneste E et al. (2009) Nat Med 15: 577- 83) relative to the reference is calculated for each gene and GAPDH gene as well as with respect to the RPLPO average gene expression values.基因稳定性值和变异系数是1.18和46% (对于GAPDH)以及1.18和34% (RPLPO)，在我们测试的10个管家基因中是最稳定的并且正好在典型的异源样品集合的范围中。 Gene stability values ​​and coefficients of variation were 1.18 and 46% (for GAPDH), and 1.18 and 34% (RPLPO), we tested the 10 housekeeping genes and the most stable range is just a typical sample set of heterologous .在单个的卵裂球中，如所期望的，GAPDH和RPLPO转录物的量在I细胞和8细胞期之间的每次分裂降低约ICt值，归因于卵裂分裂的减半影响和人类发育的头3天内缺少EGA。 Effect halved in a single blastomere, as desired, GAPDH transcript and reducing the amount of RPLPO about ICt value of each division between I and 8-cell stage cells, due to cleavage division and human the development of the first three days of the absence of EGA.单个卵裂球中这些参照基因的表达水平在8细胞至桑椹胚期之间保持稳定。 These single blastomeres reference gene expression levels between the cells 8 stable to the morula stage.在完整的胚胎水平，RPLPO和GAPDH的Ct值在整个发育中直到桑椹胚期在很大程度上保持恒定。 In a complete embryo level, Ct value of GAPDH and RPLPO until the morula stage remain largely constant throughout development.在胚泡期RPLPO和GAPDH的表达水平显著升高，最有可能归因于存在增加数目的卵裂球。 In the expression level of the blastocyst stage RPLPO and GAPDH were significantly increased, most likely due to the presence of an increased number of blastomeres.这些变化没有影响RPLPO和GAPDH作为参照基因的可靠性。 These changes do not affect the reliability of RPLPO and GAPDH as reference gene.在这一研究中进行的基因表达分析中的大多数聚焦于桑椹胚期之前的发育期，此时参照基因的表达水平非常稳定。 Gene expression analysis performed in this study, most of the focus on the developmental stages before the morula stage, this time with reference to the level of gene expression is very stable.

[0206] 有趣的是，某些基因类别在不正常胚胎中比在其他的中更受影响。 [0206] Interestingly, certain classes of genes in abnormal embryos than in other more affected.例如，在不正常的胚胎中，大多数的管家基因、激素受体和母体因子在基因表达上一点都不改变，然而胞质分裂和miRNA生物发生所涉及的许多基因显示出显著降低的表达。 For example, in the abnormal embryos, most of the housekeeping gene, hormone receptors and the parent factor that is not changed in gene expression, however, many genes miRNA biogenesis cytokinesis and involved shown to express significantly reduced.而且，在受影响的基因中，某些基因在正常和不正常胚胎之间显示比其他大得多的差异。 Moreover, the affected genes, some genes showed between normal and abnormal embryos much larger than the other differences.例如，miRNA生物发生通路中涉及的基因，诸如DGCR8、Dicer和TARBP2，在不正常的胚胎中表现出高度减少的表达水平。 For example, genes involved in pathways miRNA biogenesis, such as DGCR8, Dicer and TARBP2, exhibit highly reduced expression levels in abnormal embryos.值得注意的是，CPEBl和Symplekin，受到最严重影响的基因中的两个，属于调节母源mRNA储存和通过处理转录物poly (A)尾的活化的相同的分子机制(Bettegowda, A.等人(2007) Front.B1sc1.12:3713-3726)。 Notably, two CPEBl and Symplekin, the most severely affected genes belonging to adjust maternal mRNA storage and processing by the same molecular mechanism transcript activated poly (A) tail (Bettegowda, A. et al. (2007) Front.B1sc1.12: 3713-3726).这些数据表明胚胎不正常性与胚胎的mRNA调节程序中的缺陷有关。 These data indicate that embryos and embryos of abnormal mRNA regulation program defects.

[0207] 将胞质分裂与基因表达谱相关联。 [0207] The gene expression profile associated with cytokinesis.用编码关键胞质分裂组分的基因进行基因表达分析。 Analysis of gene expression using gene coding for key cytokinesis components.通过在立体显微镜上安装照相机并且将培养基更换和样品收集期间的样品转移过程摄像来追踪每个胚胎的身份。 By installing the camera on the stereomicroscope and the sample transfer medium during the imaging process and sample collection replacement to track the identity of each embryo.当评估不正常胚胎的基因表达谱时，我们观察到在异常胞质分裂和关键胞质分裂成分的较低基因表达水平中的强烈关联。 When evaluating gene expression profiles abnormal embryos, we observed a strong correlation in expression levels of low genetic abnormalities and cytokinesis cytokinesis key ingredient in.有趣的是，不正常胚胎的基因表达谱和它们的异常形态学表型一样是不同并且可变的。 Interestingly, the gene expression profiles of abnormal embryos and their aberrant morphological phenotypes are different and the same variable.

[0208] 已发现胞质分裂基因在正常2细胞胚胎和不正常2细胞胚胎间(图9)以及在正常4细胞胚胎和不正常4细胞胚胎间(图10)是不同的。 [0208] It has been found cytokinesis 2 gene during normal and abnormal embryonic cell 2-cell embryos (FIG. 9) and 4 during normal and abnormal cell embryos 4-cell embryos (FIG. 10) are different.图9和10显示与不同的胞质分裂表型相关的在正常的2细胞人类胚胎(图9)和正常的4细胞胚胎(图10)中更高表达的基因的相对表达。 9 and 10 show the relative expression of a gene of higher expression in normal human embryonic cell 2 (FIG. 9) and 4 normal embryonic cells (FIG. 10) associated with a different phenotype cytokinesis.如在图9中所表现的，在第一次胞质分裂期间显示不正常的膜边缘波动的停滞的2细胞胚胎对所有所测试的胞质分裂调节基因具有显著降低的表达水平。 As represented in Figure 9, showed abnormal membrane ruffling arrest of all the 2-cell embryo tested cytokinesis regulation of gene expression levels have significantly reduced during the first cytokinesis.图9中显示差异的基因是anillin、cofillin、DIAPH 1、DIAPH2、DNM2、ECT2、MKLP2、MYCL2 和RhoA0 正常表达水平以右边的柱给出并且可以看出在每个基因中都更高。 Genetic variation shown in Figure 9 is anillin, cofillin, DIAPH 1, DIAPH2, DNM2, ECT2, MKLP2, MYCL2 RhoA0 normal expression levels and the column on the right shows both higher and may be seen in each gene.在图9的图表上方的照片中，显示不正常的两个细胞胚胎，比例尺代表50 μ m。 In the graph above the photograph of FIG. 9, the display is not normal two-cell embryo, on behalf of the scale 50 μ m.图10显示从在第一次分裂期间经历具有单面胞质分裂沟和大大延长的胞质分裂的异常胞质分裂的停滞的4细胞胚胎的结果，所述显示胞质分裂调节因子Anillin和ECT2的降低的表达。 Figure 10 shows the results from an abnormal cytoplasmic division cytokinesis grooves and having one side substantially extending in the first division experience during cytokinesis arrest 4-cell embryo, the display and cytokinesis regulation factor Anillin ECT2 the reduced expression.图10中的比例尺也代表50 μ m。 Scale in FIG. 10 also represents 50 μ m.

[0209] 胚胎期特异基因表达模式。 [0209] Specific embryonic expression patterns of genes.图11显示在对141个正常发育的单个胚胎和单个卵裂球的基因表达分析期间鉴定的四个胚胎期特异模式(ESSP)。 Figure 11 shows the gene 141 during normal development of a single embryo and expression analysis of a single blastomere embryo identified four specific mode (ESSP).分入四个ESSP中每一个的基因列在表2中(图20)。 Each gene divided into four columns in ESSP table (FIG. 20) 2.图11中的图通过以相似的表达模式为基础将基因分类并且将它们的表达值(相对于参照基因)的平均来产生。 FIG 11 through FIG similar gene expression pattern based on the classification and their expression values ​​(relative to the reference gene) to produce an average.ESSP的相对表达水平通过将具有相似表达模式的基因的表达水平平均来计算。 ESSP relative expression levels by the expression level of genes having similar expression patterns of the average calculated.将基因表达水平对不同的细胞期做图，即，Ic = 一个细胞；M=桑椹胚，B=胚泡。 The level of gene expression versus made of different cells, i.e., Ic = a cell; M = morula, B = blastocyst.在图11中，四个ESSP的每一个中的基因的相对表达显示为发育的函数，从I细胞(Ic)至桑椹胚和胚泡。 In Figure 11, the relative gene expression in each of the four ESSP is shown as a function of development, from I cells (Ic) to morula and blastocyst.ESSPl显示母系遗传，ESSP2显示基因转录活化，ESSP3显示晚期活化而ESSP4显示持久的转录物。 ESSPl display maternal inheritance, ESSP2 show activation of gene transcription, ESSP3 display late activation ESSP4 display lasting transcripts.如ESSP2中所指示的，IVF诊所中典型的转移点发生在第3天，此时胚胎正在经历归因于胚胎基因活化的显著的发育变化。 As indicated in ESSP2, IVF clinics a typical transition point occurs at day 3, when the embryo is undergoing developmental changes significantly due to the activation of embryonic genes.时差成像数据指示胚胎的发育潜力可通过4细胞期来鉴定，由此允许胚胎在第2天并且在这一基因活化之前较早的转移。 Difference image data indicates the potential for development of the embryo can be identified by a 4-cell stage, thereby allowing the embryo at day 2 and before the earlier transferred gene activation.这一早期转移对于提高IVF程序的成功率是有用的。 This early transfer is useful for improving the success rate of IVF procedures.

[0210] 表2(图20)列出属于所鉴定的四个ESSP中的每一个的基因。 Each gene belonging to the four ESSP identified in [0210] Table 2 (FIG. 20) are listed.对参照基因(GAPDH和RPLP0)并且相对于基因平均值估算每种基因的相对基因表达水平。 The reference gene (GAPDH and RPLPO) gene and with respect to the estimate of the average relative gene expression levels of each gene.对照胚胎的发育时间线每种基因的表达模式遵循下列四个ESSP中的一个:ESSP模式(I)早期，开始高，缓慢降低并且在胚泡之前关闭的基因；ESSP模式(2)中期:4细胞期之后开启的基因；ESSP模式(3)晚期:在桑椹胚或胚泡时开启的基因和ESSP模式(4)恒定:具有相对恒定的表达值的基因。 Control embryos timeline follow the expression pattern of each gene in one of the following four ESSP: ESSP mode (I) earlier, start high and decrease slowly closed until blastocyst gene; ESSP pattern (2) mid: 4 after open cells gene; ESSP pattern (3) late: at the time of opening or morula and blastocyst gene ESSP mode (4) constant: a relatively constant value of gene expression.

[0211] ESSPl描述母系遗传的基因的模式。 [0211] ESSPl pattern of the genes described in maternally inherited.这些转录物以合子期的高表达水平开始并且随后随着胚胎发育为胚泡而降低。 The expression of these transcripts at a high level and then the start of the zygote embryo blastocysts with reduced.这些转录物的半衰期是大约21小时。 Half-life of these transcripts is about 21 hours.来自其他模式生物的典型的母体因子例如⑶F9和ZARl以及生殖细胞(卵母细胞)特异基因VASA和DAZL在这一分类中。 Typical parent factors from other model organisms such ⑶F9 and ZARl specific genes VASA and germ cells (oocytes) and DAZL in this category.ESSP2包括胚胎活化基因，其在4细胞期之后在胚胎中首次转录。 ESSP2 include embryonic gene activation, which in the first transcription embryos after 4-cell stage.这一分类中的一些基因显示表现出两波活化，第一次并且较小的一次在5至6细胞期而第二次并且较大的一次在8细胞期。 This classification Some genes showed two waves exhibit activation, the first and the smaller one in the 5-6 cell stage while the second and the larger one in the 8-cell stage.来自其他的模式生物的已知的EGA基因，例如EIF1AX31和JARID1B32，在这一分类中。 EGA known genes from other model organisms, e.g. EIF1AX31 and JARID1B32, in this category.ESSP3由直到胚泡期才表达的晚期活化的基因组成，包括滋养层标记GCMl。 ESSP3 activated until the late blastocyst stage by only gene expression, including trophoblast marker GCMl.ESSP4包含在整个发育中相对于参照基因保持稳定表达的持久转录物。 ESSP4 contained in the entire development relative to the reference gene transcript to maintain a lasting stable expression.这些基因的半衰期是193小时，比ESSP长约9倍，这一分类包括管家基因、转录因子、表观遗传调节因子、激素受体和其他的混合物。 Half-life of these genes is 193 hours, more than about 9 times ESSP, this classification include housekeeping genes, transcription factors, epigenetic regulatory factors, hormone receptors, and other mixtures thereof.在使用单个正常胚胎和卵裂球的61个样品的另一个实验设定中证实基因表达的这些4种模式。 Gene expression was confirmed in another experiment using a single set of normal embryo blastomeres and 61 samples of these four modes.

[0212] 在第一次分裂期间表现出异常的细胞动力学和有丝分裂行为的不正常的胚胎与高不稳定的基因表达谱有关，尤其是涉及胚胎RNA管理的基因中。 [0212] showed abnormal cell kinetics and mitotic behavior of abnormal embryos and high instability related to gene expression profiling, in particular genes involved in embryonic RNA management during the first division.因此，一种方法可结合这些方法学以提供可被用于预测植入前胚胎成活力的方法。 Thus, a method can combine these methodologies prediction methods before implantation embryo viability may be used to provide.结果表明不正常的胚胎以RNA加工和miRNA生物发生中的缺陷程序开始生活，导致母系mRNA的过度降解。 The results showed that abnormal embryos program to defect RNA processing and miRNA biogenesis begins life, leading to excessive degradation of maternal mRNA.这些未调节的RNA降解的随机性质导致转录物的随机破坏，引起在不正常胚胎中观察到的各种各样的异常表型。 These unregulated nature of the RNA degradation leading to random random destruction of transcripts induced observed in a variety of abnormal embryos abnormal phenotype.下降水平的miRNA引起调节的母系RNA降解中的缺陷，导致在不同时期的发育停滞。 Decreased levels of miRNA regulation of maternal RNA degradation due to a defect, resulting in different developmental arrest.

[0213] 单个的卵裂球分析。 [0213] Analysis of single blastomeres.为了评估人类植入前胚胎中何时开始分子分化，分析了从处于不同发育期的17个胚胎收获的单个卵裂球中CDX2表达水平。 To assess before implantation of human embryos when to start element differentiation, expression levels were analyzed CDX2 single blastomeres from 17 embryos at different developmental stages harvested.图12A显示两个基因CTBBNl (黑柱)和⑶X2(浅柱)的相对表达水平为发育期的函数，从2细胞至胚泡。 FIG 12A shows two genes CTBBNl (black bars) and ⑶X2 (pale column) the relative expression levels as a function of the developmental stage, from 2 cell to the blastocyst.如可见的，在来自4细胞期之前的胚胎的单个卵裂球中CDX2以较低水平偶然被表达(图12A)。 As can be seen, before the single blastomeres from 4-cell stage embryos of CDX2 is expressed at lower levels occasionally (FIG. 12A).然而，从6细胞期开始，每个胚胎包含以显著水平表达⑶X2的至少一个卵裂球。 However, starting from 6-cell stage, each comprising at least one embryo blastomere at significant levels of expression ⑶X2.也显示在图12A中的管家基因CTNNBl的表达水平在来自相同胚胎的卵裂球中保持恒定，指示CDX2的多样化表达模式不是qPCR的人工产物。 The expression levels of housekeeping genes is also shown in FIG. 12A CTNNBl remains constant from the same embryo blastomeres, the artifacts indicating the diversity CDX2 expression pattern is not the qPCR.来自独立实验的数据证实相似的观察。 Data from independent experiments confirmed that similar observations.这些结果表明人类植入前胚胎的分子分化可在4细胞期之后尽可能早地立即发生。 These results indicate that the molecule of human preimplantation embryo differentiation can occur as early as possible immediately after the 4-cell stage.

[0214] 有趣的是，对单个卵裂球中的基因表达谱的检查显示包含具有相应于不同发育期的基因表达标签的卵裂球的胚胎。 [0214] Interestingly, inspection of a single blastomere embryos gene expression profile comprising a display having corresponding to different developmental stages of blastomeres gene expression signature.任何给定的时间的任何给定的胚胎的基因表达谱等于母系mRNA降解和EGA的和。 Any given gene expression profile embryos at any given time and is equal to maternal mRNA degradation and EGA.早期发育期的较年轻的卵裂球通常含有高量的母系转录物和低量的合子基因并且相反的对处于较高等的发育期的较年长的卵裂球适用。 Early development of younger blastomeres generally contain high levels of maternal transcripts and a low amount of zygotic genes and instead of older blastomere stage in the development of such high applied.在这一实验中，具体程序被定义为10个ESSPl标记(母系转录物)的平均表达值而胚胎程序则通过10个ESSP2标记(胚胎转录物)的平均表达水平。 In this experiment, the specific program is defined as 10 ESSPl markers (maternal transcript) mean expression value embryo program 10 ESSP2 markers (embryonic transcripts) by the average expression level it is.所使用的母系转录物组包括DAZL、⑶F3、IFITM1、STELLAR、SYCP3、VASA、⑶F9、H)CD5、ZAR1 和ZP1，而胚胎基因组包括ATF7IP、CCNA1、EIF1AX、EIF4A3、H2AFZ、HSP70.1、JARID1B、LSM3、PABPC1 和SERTAD1。 Maternal transcripts group include DAZL, ⑶F3, IFITM1, STELLAR, SYCP3, VASA, ⑶F9, H) CD5, ZAR1 and ZP1, whereas the embryonic genome comprises ATF7IP, CCNA1, EIF1AX, EIF4A3, H2AFZ, HSP70.1, JARID1B, LSM3, PABPC1 and SERTAD1.在从这一特定的8 细胞胚胎中成功收集的6个卵裂球中，3个卵裂球显示出与来自正常的3细胞胚胎样品相似的基因表达标签，而其余3个卵裂球与来自正常的8细胞胚胎的卵裂球相似(图12B)。 In this particular successfully collected from the 8-cell embryo blastomeres 6, 3 exhibits 3 blastomeres from embryos normal cells a sample of similar gene expression signature, and the remaining three with blastomeres from normal 8-cell embryo blastomeres were similar (FIG. 12B).这一观察的最可能的解释是胚胎中一个亚群的细胞的停滞。 The most likely explanation for this observation is the embryo of a stagnant cell subsets.这一部分停滞表型同样在我们测试的样品中的另一个9细胞胚胎和2个桑椹胚中观察到。 This part of the same phenotype arrest further cell embryos 9 we tested a sample of morulae and 2 was observed.母系转录物水平在已经在培养中花费与它们的正常的姐妹细胞相同的时间量的停滞的卵裂球中仍然高的事实，表明母系RNA的降解不是随时间简单发生的自发过程而最可能需要特异RNA降解机制例如微RNA(miRNA)的作用。 Maternal transcript levels have spent the same as their normal sister cells, the amount of time in culture stagnant blastomeres are still high in fact, it shows that spontaneous maternal RNA degradation process is not simply occur over time and are most likely to need specific RNA degradation mechanism of action, for example, a micro RNA (miRNA) a.这些数据同样提供了母系mRNA降解是哺乳动物胚胎发生期间保守的发育事件并且是正常的胚胎发育所需要的进一步的证据(Bettegowda,A.等人(2008)Reprod.Fertil.Dev.20:45-53)。 These data also provide maternal mRNA degradation is conserved during mammalian embryonic developmental events occurred and is further evidence (Bettegowda, A normal embryonic development needed et al. (2008) Reprod.Fertil.Dev.20: 45- 53).此外，这些数据表明胚胎中单个的卵裂球是自发的并且可彼此独立地发育。 Furthermore, these data indicate that a single blastomere embryos spontaneous development and independently from each other.另外，这些结果指示可使用本文描述的基因表达水平测试以在有待被测试的细胞中测试mRNA的水平(其指示基因表达水平)，其中RNA是已知为母系程序的一部分的基因并且在胚胎发育的晚期中这一发育水平的持续与不正常结果的可能性有关，或者是胚胎程序的一部分，其中随时间的缺乏指示不正常结果的可能性。 Further, these results indicate that described herein may be used to test gene expression level to be tested in the test cell mRNA (which is indicative of the level of gene expression), wherein the RNA is a gene known to be a part of the maternal and embryonic development program late in the possibility of continuing with abnormal results of the developmental level of about, or is part of the embryo procedure, which indicates the possibility of a lack of abnormal results over time.本文检验的母系程序基因是ZAR1、^)0)5、11^5、册？ This paper examines maternal gene program is ZAR1, ^) 0) 5,11 ^ 5, books?1、0^9和8%2。 1,0 and 8% 2 ^ 9.其他的母系影响基因是已知的并且可用的。 Other genes in maternal are known and available.

[0215] 胚胎基因活化。 [0215] Embryonic gene activation.本方法是至少部分以不正常的发育停滞的胚胎在EGA(胚胎基因活化)发生之前的头三次分裂期间通常表现出异常胞质分裂和有丝分裂时间的发现为基础的。 In the present process is at least partially arrest the development of abnormal embryos typically exhibit three times during the first division before EGA (embryonic gene activation) cytokinesis occurs abnormal mitosis and found time basis.这表明胚胎发育的命运主要由母系遗传决定，一个与由Hardy等人在200134中进行的人类植入前发育的数学模型显著一致的发现。 This suggests that the fate of embryonic development by a maternal mainly genetically determined, with a significant mathematical model preimplantation development of human beings in 200134 by the Hardy et al consistent finding.而且胞质分裂和有丝分裂的异常与调节miRNA生物发生和母系mRNA遮蔽、储存和再活化的基因中母系转录物的降低的水平强烈相关。 Further mitosis and cytokinesis strongly associated with abnormal regulation of genes miRNA biogenesis and reduce maternal mRNA masking, storage and re-activation of maternal transcript levels.miRNA通过促进不同生物过程中的mRNA降解来调节翻译，包括生物发育和分化(Blakaj，A.&Lin, H.(2008) J.B1l.Chem.283:9505-9508 ；Stefani, G.&Slack, FJ(2008)Nat.Rev.Mo 1.Cell B1l.9:219-230)。 miRNA adjusted by promoting mRNA degradation in different biological processes of translation, including biological development and differentiation (Blakaj, A & Lin, H. (2008) J.B1l.Chem.283:. 9505-9508; Stefani, G. & Slack, FJ (2008) Nat.Rev.Mo 1.Cell B1l.9: 219-230).来自模式生物的增加的证据显示miRNA可以是在早期胚胎中母系转录物降解的关键调节因子(Bettegowda,A.等人(2008)Reprod.Fertil.Dev.20:45-53)。 The key is increasing evidence from model organisms miRNA may be displayed in the early embryo maternal transcript degradation adjustment factor (. Bettegowda, A et al (2008) Reprod.Fertil.Dev.20: 45-53).因此，miRNA生物发生上的缺陷将很可能导致不正常的胚胎发育，另一方面，不能正确管理母系mRNA同样导致不良胚胎发生。 Therefore, defects in miRNA biogenesis will likely result in abnormal embryonic development, on the other hand, can not manage the same result in adverse maternal mRNA correct embryogenesis.哺乳动物卵母细胞合成在母亲生产前支持早期胚胎生长所需要的大量母系RNA转录物。 Synthesis of a mammalian oocyte maternal support a large number of RNA transcripts of early embryonic mother needed before production.这些转录物被抑制并且贮存一段延长的时间，直到它们在受精之后被再活化。 These transcripts are suppressed and stored for an extended period of time, until they are reactivated after fertilization.这一母系RNA管理程序中的缺陷将可能影响母系转录物的量和质量并且因此损害成功发育的机会。 The maternal RNA management program defects may affect the amount and quality of maternal transcripts and therefore damage the chance of successful development.

[0216] 评估胚胎成活力的模型。 [0216] Model Evaluation embryo viability.图13显示以相关的成像和分子分析为基础的人类胚胎发育的模型。 Shown in FIG. 13 and associated imaging model-based molecular analysis of human embryos.所显示的是包括预测成功发育成胚泡的关键的短暂时间的从合子发育至胚泡的时间线和胚胎发育的图解。 Is shown comprising a prediction success develops into a blastocyst development critical short time from zygote to blastocyst timeline illustrated and embryogenesis.如所图解的，关键分子数据指示人类胚胎以遗传自母亲的不同集合的卵母细胞RNA开始生活。 As illustrated, the data indicative of a key molecule in human embryos genetically different sets of oocytes RNA since the life of the mother.这一集合的RNA通过卵中特异RNA管理程序保持并且包装。 This set of RNA and held by the package management program specific RNA eggs.受精之后，对卵特异的一个亚集合的母系RNA(ESSP1:胚胎期特异模式I)的降解必定随从卵母细胞至胚胎的转变的开始而降低。 After fertilization, the egg maternal RNA specific for a sub-set of: the degradation (ESSP1 embryonic Specific Mode I) is bound to the start followers oocyte transition embryos decreases.同时，其他的RNA随发育继续(ESSP4)而理想上平均地分配给每个卵裂球。 At the same time, other RNA continues (ESSP4) and ideally be evenly distributed to each blastomere with development.RNA的成功降解和分配随细胞自发形式的胚胎基因组活化(EGA)和ESSP2的基因的转录而结束。 Successful distribution and degradation of RNA with embryonic cells form spontaneous genome activation (EGA), and the transcription of a gene ESSP2 ends.值得注意的是，在卵裂分裂期间，胚胎卵裂球可独立地停滞或进行。 It is noteworthy that, during cleavage divisions, embryonic blastomeres can be independently stagnation or.胚胎中细胞自发发育的结果是单个卵裂球可停滞或进行并且当8细胞进行至桑椹胚期并且超过时，胚泡质量将受到停滞或进行超过8细胞的细胞的数目的冲击。 Results Spontaneous development of embryonic cell is a single blastomeres may arrest or 8, and when the cells are to morula stage and beyond, the blastocyst will be stagnant or mass number of an impact of more than 8 cells.成像数据证实有预测成功或失败的发育的关键期:第一次胞质分裂、第二次卵裂分裂以及第二次和第三次卵裂分裂的同步性。 The imaging data confirmed the critical period of development to predict the success or failure: first cytokinesis, the second cleavage division and synchronicity of the second and third cleavage division.这些参数可使用之前描述的细胞追踪算法和软件自动测量。 Cell tracking algorithms and software described previously may be used to automatically measure these parameters.所描述的系统和方法被用于使用关键成像预测因子诊断胚胎结果并且可允许发育中较早期的较少胚胎的转移(在EGA之前)。 Systems and methods described herein are used for imaging key predictors diagnosis result embryonic development and transfer embryos fewer earlier (before EGA) permissible.

[0220] 现有IVF操作的主要限制中的一个是卵母细胞质量和可用性。 The main limitation [0220] Operation of the conventional IVF one oocyte quality and availability.例如，现有IVF方案从小周期池(small cyclic pool)补充卵母细胞,提供用于受精的少量的卵母细胞(例如1-20个)。 For example, conventional IVF programs small cell cycle (small cyclic pool) supplemented oocytes provide a small oocytes for fertilization (e.g., 1-20).而且，IVF操作期间激素刺激之后获取的约20%的卵母细胞被分类为不成熟的并且通常因为在现有培养条件下减少的胚胎发育的潜力而被排除。 Further, after obtaining IVF hormonal stimulation during operation of about 20% of oocytes are immature and are generally classified as embryonic development as potential reduction under conventional culture conditions have been excluded.

[0221] 增加卵母细胞池的一种方法是通过体外成熟。 [0221] One way to increase oocyte maturation in vitro by the pool.图14显示体外成熟期间发育的三个时期，包括生发泡、中期I和中期II。 Figure 14 shows the three developmental stages during in vitro maturation, including germinal vesicle, metaphase I and medium II.生发泡和中期I期被定义为未成熟的卵母细胞而中期II因为在体外成熟起始之后24-28小时发生的第一极体的存在而被定义为成熟的。 Germinal vesicle metaphase I stage and is defined as immature oocytes metaphase II because of the presence of the first polar body occurring 24-28 hours after initiation in vitro maturation is defined as mature.图15显示已经被体外成熟的卵母细胞的胚胎发育。 Figure 15 shows the in vitro maturation of oocytes has been embryonic development.

[0222] 增加卵母细胞池的另一个方法是从初级和次级池补充卵母细胞，提供多达几千的卵母细胞。 [0222] Another method of increasing the oocyte pool is added from the primary and secondary oocyte pool, providing up to thousands of oocytes.在这一操作中，休眠滤泡从卵巢补充并且进行体外程序以产生具有正常染色体组合、表观遗传状态、RNA表达和形态学的卵母细胞。 In this operation, from the dormant ovarian follicles in vitro and supplementary program to produce a normal chromosome composition, epigenetic status, RNA expression, and morphology of the oocytes.在另一方面，卵母细胞可来源于体外分化为生殖细胞的多潜能干细胞并且成熟为人类卵母细胞。 On the other hand, may be derived from oocytes in vitro to differentiate into germ cells and pluripotent stem cells is a human oocyte maturation.

[0223] 如图14中说明的，卵母细胞的体外成熟过程由可被用于定义在本发明的方法中用于测量和分析的细胞参数的若干细胞变化来标记。 [0223] FIG. 14 illustrates in vitro maturation of oocytes can be marked by a number of cells used to define the parameters of the changes in cell measurement and analysis in the method of the present invention.这些包括，例如，卵母细胞膜形态学上的变化，诸如从透明带分离的速度和程度；卵母细胞核形态学上的变化，诸如胚泡破裂(GVBD)的启动、完成和速度；细胞质和细胞核中颗粒的运动的速度和方向以及第一极体的运动和排出。 These include, for example, changes in the oocyte membrane morphology, such as the speed and extent of separation of the zona pellucida; changes in the morphology of oocytes, such as germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) start, completion, and velocity; cytoplasm and nucleus moving speed and direction of movement of the particles and the discharge and a first polar body.

[0224] 实施例4 [0224] Example 4

[0225] 将干细胞分化成像。 [0225] The image forming stem cells.

[0226] 益果 [0226] If the gain

[0227] 时差成像分析还可被用于评估其他类型的细胞的成活力、发育潜能和结果，诸如干细胞、诱导的多潜能干细胞(iPSC)和人类胚胎干细胞(hESC)。 [0227] Analysis of the difference image may also be used to assess the viability of other cell types, and developmental potential results, such as stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and human embryonic stem cells (hESC).干细胞的发育潜力可通过使用时差图像分析来评估以测量细胞发育和分化期间形态学上的变化(图17)。 Developmental potential of stem cells by using image analysis to assess the time difference to measure the changes in morphology and cell development during the differentiation (FIG. 17).之后可分析并且选择用于体内移植或其他用途的分化的细胞。 Analysis can then be selected for cell transplantation and differentiation in vivo, or other purpose.可从时差成像数据提取并分析干细胞的几个参数，例如胞质分裂的持续时间、有丝分裂事件之间的时间、细胞大小和形状、细胞的数目、细胞的运动、分裂模式、分化、不对称分裂(此时一个子细胞保持干细胞而另一个子细胞分化)、对称分裂(此时两个子细胞均保持为干细胞或两个均分化)和命运特定化(当干细胞分化时之前确定的)。 Time difference can be extracted from the imaging data and the analysis of stem cells several parameters, such as duration of cytokinesis, the time between mitosis events, the number of cells the size and shape of cells, cell movement, patterns division, differentiation, asymmetric division (At this time, a sub-holding cell stem cell and another daughter cells), symmetrical division (where the two daughter cells remain stem cells are differentiated or two) and the fate of specific (as determined prior to the time differentiation of stem cells).

[0228] 干细胞治疗的基本程式是未分化的干细胞可体外培养，分化为特定的细胞类型并且随后移植至受体以便受伤的组织和/或器官再生。 Basic Program [0228] Stem cell therapy are undifferentiated stem cells can be cultured in vitro to differentiate into specific cell types and then transplanted to a recipient to the injured tissue and / or organ regeneration.时差成像分析可被用作高通量非侵入装置以鉴定形成能够整合到成熟组织中的非致癌的分化的后代的干细胞。 Analysis of the difference image can be used as a high throughput to identify a non-invasive means can be integrated to form a non-oncogenic differentiation and maturation of tissue stem cell progeny.可能的应用包括神经疾病例如阿尔茨海默病和帕金森症、血管系统疾病和心脏疾病、肌肉和骨骼疾病诸如关节炎、自身免疫性疾病和癌症的治疗以及通过评估指标的药物开发和新型治疗。 Possible applications include neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, vascular disease and heart disease, musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis, autoimmune diseases and cancer, as well as through drug development and evaluation of novel therapeutic index .

[0229] 在人类中，受损的组织通常通过体内干细胞的持续的补充和分化来代替。 [0229] In humans, the damaged tissue is usually replaced by a continuous supplement and differentiation of stem cells in vivo.然而，身体再生的能力随着年龄而降低。 However, the body's ability to regenerate decreases with age.这样的一个实例是由括约肌缺损导致的尿失禁。 An example of such incontinence is caused by the sphincter defect.年龄据信是括约肌缺损的主要成因中的一个，因为肌肉纤维的数目和神经密度随时间而减少。 Age is believed to be the main cause of a sphincter defect in, because of the number of muscle fibers and nerves density decreases with time.为了治疗患有失禁的患者，iPSC可来源于从阴道壁组织培养的成纤维细胞以便产生分化的平滑肌细胞。 In order to treat patients suffering from incontinence, iPSC to produce may be derived from differentiated tissue from the vaginal wall fibroblasts cultured smooth muscle cells.之后这些分化的细胞可被体内移植。 After these differentiated cells may be transplanted in vivo.在移植之前，时差成像分析可被用于将iPSC就多能性、分化、甲基化和致癌性来表征。 Prior to transplantation, the time difference can be used for image analysis on the iPSC pluripotency, differentiation, and oncogenic methylation characterized.其他的应用包括来源于患有帕金森症的患者的皮肤细胞并且分化为用于移植的神经元的iPSC的时差成像(图18)。 Other applications include those derived from a patient suffering from Parkinson's disease and skin cells differentiate into neurons for transplantation of iPSC-difference imaging (FIG. 18).

[0232] 如我们的时差图像数据所证明的，人类胚胎发育是在同龄的胚胎之间高度变化的过程并且胚胎可在细胞分裂期间表现出各种各样的行为。 [0232] As evidenced by our difference image data, the human embryo is between the age of embryos and embryonic highly variable process can exhibit a wide variety of behavior during cell division.因此，某些发育事件例如高度不正常的胞质分裂的持续时间(图4)的手动表征可以被解释。 Thus, certain developmental events such as duration (FIG. 4) is highly abnormal cytokinesis manual characterization can be interpreted.为了证实我们的成像参数和系统地预测胚泡形成的能力，我们开发了用于自动追踪细胞分裂直到4细胞期的算法。 In order to confirm our imaging system parameters and the ability to predict blastocyst formation, we have developed an algorithm for automatically tracking cell division until the 4-cell stage.我们的追踪算法使用以序贯蒙特卡罗方法为基础的概率模型评估技术。 Our tracking algorithm uses a sequential Monte Carlo method based on a probabilistic model assessment techniques.这一技术通过产生假定胚胎模型的分布、以简单的光学模型为基础模拟图像并且将这些模拟与观察到的图像数据相比较来运行(图21a)。 This technique produced embryos assumed distribution model, a simple optical model is based on the analog simulation image and the observed image data comparing operation (FIG. 21a).

[0233] 将胚胎建模为具有位置、方向和重叠指数的椭圆的集合(以表示细胞的相对高度)。 [0233] The embryos are modeled as a set of overlapping orientation of the ellipse and having a position index, (to represent the relative height of the cell).关于这些模型，可提取胞质分裂的持续时间和有丝分裂之间的时间。 The time between the duration of these models can be extracted cytokinesis and mitosis.胞质分裂通常通过胞质分裂沟的首次出现(当两极凹陷沿着卵裂轴形成)至完成子细胞的分离来定义。 Typically by cytokinesis cytokinesis occurs first groove (recess when the poles are formed along the axis of cleavage) to complete the separation of the sub-cells is defined.我们通过将胞质分裂大致估计为I细胞至2细胞分裂之前的细胞延长的持续时间来将问题简化。 We will simplify the problem by cytokinesis roughly estimated to prolong the duration of the cell before the cell-to-I 2 cell division.如果轴长度上的差距超过15% (经验地选择)细胞被认为延长。 If the difference in the axial length of more than 15% (chosen empirically) cells were considered extended.有丝分裂之间的时间直接通过将每个模型中细胞计数来提取。 Time between mitosis directly extracted by the cell count in each model.

[0234] 我们在一组14个人胚胎上测试了我们的算法(图21b)并且将自动的测量与手动图像分析相比较(图21c、图21d)。 [0234] We tested on a group of 14 human embryo our algorithm (FIG. 21b) and the automatic measurement and manual comparison image analysis (FIG. 21c, FIG. 21d).在这一数据组中，14个胚胎中的8个达到了具有良好形态学的胚泡阶段(图21e，上图)。 In this data set, 14 embryos reaching blastocyst stage 8 having a good morphology (FIG. 21e, upper panel).自动测量与手动测量非常吻合并且所有8个胚胎被正确预测达到胚泡。 Automatic measurement and manual measurement is very consistent and all eight reached the blastocyst embryos were correctly predicted.14个胚胎中的两个达到具有不良形态学的胚泡(不良质量的内细胞群，图21e，下图)。 Two 14 reaches the blastocyst embryos with poor morphology (poor quality of the cell population, FIG. 21e, lower panel).对于这些胚胎，手动评估显示I个将达到胚泡而I个将停滞，而自动测量预测两者都将停滞。 For these embryos, manual evaluation show the I and the I will reach the blastocyst stagnation, it is automatically measured both predicted stagnation.最后，14个胚胎中的4个在胚泡期之前停滞并且所有的两种方法都正确预测停滞。 Finally, 14 embryos 4 stagnant until the blastocyst stage and all Both methods predict stagnation correct.

[0235] 粒子滤波器框架 [0235] The particle filter frame

[0236] 粒子滤波器是以蒙特卡罗模拟为基础的模型模拟技术。 [0236] The particle filter technique is Monte Carlo simulation model based on simulation.它被用来通过产生假定的模型的分布并且将这些模型与所观察到的数据比较来模拟未知的或“隐藏的”模型。 It is used to generate the distribution model assumed by the model and those observed in comparing the data to simulate an unknown or "hidden" model.其适应任意运动动力学和测量不确定性的能力使得其是追踪细胞分裂的理想候选者。 Its ability to adapt to any motion dynamics and measurement uncertainty makes it an ideal candidate for tracking cell division.

[0237] 粒子滤波器随时间追踪三个主要变量的增值:状态X、对照U和测量z。 [0237] The particle filter tracking value over time of the three main variables: the state of X, U and control measurements z.状态变量X是我们希望评估的胚胎的模型并且被表示为椭圆(2D)或椭圆体(3D)的集合。 State variable X that we want to model evaluation embryos and is expressed as elliptic (2D) or ellipsoidal (3D) is set.对照变量u是将状态变量转化的输入并且由我们的细胞增殖和分裂模型构成。 U is the control variable inputs and the state variable transformation consists of our model of cell proliferation and division.测量变量z是状态的观察并且由我们通过时差显微术获得的图像构成。 Z is the measurement variable and the observation state of the image formed of our time difference obtained by microscopy.在下面部分中更加详细地描述这些参数。 These parameters are described in more detail in the following sections.

[0238] 用后概率分布表示每个时间步骤t的现有的状态X的估算。 [0238] After the state of the probability distribution of a conventional X each time step t is estimated.这一后概率通常被称为置信(the belief)并且被定义为给定所有的过去的图像测量z1:t和过去的对照u1:t的现有状态Xt的条件概率 T is the conditional probability of the existing state of the Xt: This is often referred to the confidence probability (the belief) and is defined as given all past image measurement Z1: t u1 and past control

[0240] 粒子滤波器用一组加权的样品或粒子大致估计在后，表示为: [0240] The particle filter is substantially a set of weighted estimation of the samples or particles, expressed as:

「_] '_]

[0242] 其中M是粒子的数目。 [0242] where M is the number of particles.术语粒子和胚胎模型在本文可互换使用。 The terms particles and embryo models are used interchangeably herein.因此，单个粒子xt[m](其中I < = m < = Μ)是时间t时的胚胎模型的一个假设。 Thus, individual particles xt [m] (where I <= m <= Μ) is a hypothetical model of the embryo at time t.

[0243] 起始之后，粒子滤波器重复应用三个步骤。 [0243] After starting, the particle filter is repeatedly applied three steps.第一个步骤是假设，其中每个粒子使用对照输入来增值: The first step is to assume, wherein each particle with a control input value:

[0247] 所述加权的粒子的集合是在后的bel (xt)的近似值。 [0247] The set of weighted particles are approximations in the bel (xt) is.

[0248] 粒子滤波器的主要成分在第三步中出现，其中粒子的集合根据它们的权重重新采样。 The main component of [0248] the particle filter occurs in the third step, wherein the set of resampled particles according to their weights.这一重新采样步骤关注最高概率的区域中的粒子分布。 This re-sampling steps concern the region with the highest probability of particle distribution.

[0249] 细胞表示 [0249] Cells showing

[0250] 将细胞表示为2D空间中的椭圆。 [0250] The cells are represented as ellipses in 2D space.每个细胞具有主轴、短轴和笛卡儿坐标中的2维位置，通过下列方程给出: Each cell has a two-dimensional position of the spindle, and a minor axis in Cartesian coordinates, is given by the following equation:

[0251] [0251]

[0252] 每个椭圆同样具有朝向方向Θ (偏转)，这允许其在χ-y平面中旋转。 [0252] each ellipse having the same direction toward the [Theta] (deflection), which allows it to rotate χ-y plane.由于椭圆几乎总是彼此重叠，我们同样指示重叠指数h，其指定重叠的次序(或者细胞的相对高度)。 Because oval almost always overlap each other, we also overlap index H indicates, that specifies the order of overlapping (or relative height of the cell).时间t时的每个胚胎模型的参数因此给定为: Each embryo model parameters at time t is therefore given:

[0253] [0253]

[0254] 其中N是该模型中的细胞的数目。 [0254] where N is the number of cells in the model.

[0255] 细胞扰乱和分裂 [0255] and disrupt cell division

[0256] 粒子滤波器的第一步是预测，其中使用对照输入将每个粒子增值。 The first step [0256] is the predicted particle filter, in which a control value input to each particle.为了我们的应用，有我们想要建模的两种类型的行为。 For our application, we want to have two types of modeling behavior.第一种类型的行为包括细胞运动，其包括平移、关于偏转角的旋转以及主轴和短轴的长度上的变化。 The first type of behavior, including cell motion, including translation, rotation, and changes to the length of the major axis and the minor axis of the deflection angle.第二种类型的行为是细胞分裂，其中一个细胞分裂为两个新细胞。 The second type of behavior is cell division in which a cell divides into two new cells.

[0257] 为了将细胞运动建模，我们的对照输入采用粒子并且随机扰乱每个细胞的每个值:ΧΜ、^、％、Ιν Θ”所述扰乱是使用相对小的变量从正常分布随即采样的(通常设定为初始化的值的5% )。 [0257] In order to model the motion cells, we employed a control input and randomly disrupt particles per cell of each value: ΧΜ, ^,%, Ιν Θ "is the scrambling of the variable using a relatively small sample from a normal distribution then (usually set to 5% of the value of the initialization).

[0258] 为了将细胞分裂建模，我们使用了下列方法。 [0258] In order to cell division model, we use the following method.在时间上给定的点，对于每个粒子，我们假定细胞中的一个将要分裂的50%概率。 At a given point in time, for each particle, we assume that the cells will be a 50% probability division.该值是经经验选择的并且跨越大范围的可能的细胞分裂同时保持对现有构型的良好覆盖。 This value was chosen empirically and is possible across a wide range of cell division while maintaining a good coverage of the existing configuration.如果分裂是预期的，那么所述分裂的细胞是随机选择的。 If the split is expected, then the dividing cells are randomly selected.更加复杂的模型将考虑另外的因素例如粒子中细胞的数目和这些分裂模式的历史并且将可能以所观察到的来自真实数据的行为为基础产生模型。 More complex models will take into account additional factors such as the number of particles in cells and the history of these division patterns and likely to observed behavior from the real data is generated based on the model.

[0259] 当细胞被选择分裂时，使用沿椭圆的主轴的对称分裂，产生相同尺寸和形状的两个子细胞。 [0259] When the selected cell division, using the spindle along the ellipse symmetrical division produces two daughter cells of the same size and shape.之后随机扰乱子细胞的每个值。 Each value after the random scrambling of the sub-cells.从正常分布但是用较大的变量对扰乱再次取样(初始值的10%)以适应新细胞形状上大的变化性。 However, from a normal distribution with a larger sampling disturbing variables (10% of initial value) to again accommodate a large variability on the new cell shape.最后，两个子细胞的重叠指标被随机选择而保持它们相对于剩余细胞的共同的重叠。 Finally, two overlapping sub-index is randomly selected cells are retained with respect to the remaining common overlapping cells.

[0260] 图像模拟 [0260] Image Simulation

[0261] 将对照输入应用至每个粒子之后，粒子表示必须被转化至可与真实图像相比较的模拟的图像中。 [0261] After the control input applied to each of the particles, the particles must be converted to an analog represented image may be compared with the real images.精确的图像模拟可能是困难的任务并且常常需要使用射线追踪技术和光学模型。 Accurate image simulation may be a difficult task and often require the use of an optical ray tracing techniques and models.本发明的方法关注在图像中容易鉴定的模拟特征而不是试图模拟实际图像。 The method of the present invention concerns an analog image feature easily identified, rather than attempting to simulate the actual image.特别地，对细胞膜的图像进行模拟。 In particular, the cell membrane image is simulated.

[0262] 有必须考虑的两个实体观察。 [0262] There are two entities observation must be considered.首先，尽管显微镜通过胚胎聚焦在单相上，但是视场的深度非常大并且从几乎整个胚胎收集失焦光线。 First, although the embryo through the microscope is focused on a single phase, but the depth is very large field of view and from almost the entire embryo collection out of focus light.并且其次，胚胎被部分透明，其意指胚胎底部的细胞的膜有时(但不总是)可通过胚胎顶部的细胞被看到。 And secondly, the embryo is partially transparent, the bottom cell membrane means the embryo can sometimes (but not always) can be seen through the top of the embryonic cells.

[0263] 考虑到这些实体观察，现在所描述的是图像模拟模型。 [0263] In consideration of these entities observation, the image simulation model is now described.对于每个细胞，使用重叠指数h将相应的椭圆形形状投影到模拟的图像上。 For each cell, corresponding to an elliptical shape using the overlap index h projected onto the image simulation.相应的像素值被设定为I的二元值并且扩大以产生可与所观察到图像数据相比的膜厚度。 Corresponding pixel value is set to a binary value and I expanded to produce a film thickness of the observed image data compared.重叠指数h指定细胞位于相互的顶部的次序。 Overlap index h cells are located in the specified order on top of each other.由于闭合的细胞膜仅有时可见，如果检测闭合的点，那么它们被放置在具有低概率(通常大约10%)的模拟的图像中。 Since the cell membrane is only visible when closed, if the closing point detection, they are placed in the simulated image with low probability (typically about 10%) of.实际上，当这些闭合的膜点对于精确的形状建模来说是必须的时，重要的是使得它们足够稀疏以致它们不会类似于可见边缘。 Indeed, when these films are closed for precise shape model points it is necessary, it is important that they are sufficiently sparse so that they do not like visual edge.

[0264] 图像预加工 [0264] Image pre-processing

[0265] 现在将描述测量变量z。 [0265] Now will be described the measurement variable z.本发明的方法的目的是从显微镜图像提取细胞膜的二进制图像用于与模拟的图像比较。 The method object of the present invention is an image for the binary image to extract the membrane from the simulated comparison microscope image.这些膜表现出高曲率和高对比，但是使用密度或颜色基础的阈值化技术并不容易提取。 These films exhibit high contrast and high curvature, but using intensity or color based thresholding techniques are not easily extracted.因此，使用了主曲率为基础的检测器。 Therefore, the principal curvature-based detector.这一方法使用Hessian This method uses the Hessian

算符: Operator:

[0266] [0266]

[0267] 其中，Ixx、Ixy和Iyy,是在像素位点s和高斯尺度σ估算的二级偏导数。 [0267] wherein, Ixx, Ixy and Iyy, partial derivatives are two sites in the pixel Gaussian scale σ s and estimation.2x2高斯矩阵的特征值提供关于主曲率的的信息，而特征值的符号将“谷”与“脊”43区分开来。 2x2 Gaussian eigenvalue matrix provides information about the principal curvatures, and the sign of the eigenvalues ​​to distinguish "valleys" and "land" area 43.为了检测明亮的峰或脊，每个轴的主曲率被计算为 In order to detect bright peaks or ridges of curvature of each main axis is calculated as

[0268] P(s) = |min (入2，O) I, [0268] P (s) = | min (the 2, O) I,

[0269] 其中，λ2是最小特征值。 [0269] where, λ2 is the smallest eigenvalue.为了检测不同厚度的膜，使用了覆盖一定范围的尺度(即Omin <= O <= Offlax)的Hessian算符并且提取了整个这一范围的最大曲率。 In order to detect different thicknesses of the film was used to cover a range of scales (i.e. Omin <= O <= Offlax) of the Hessian operator and extracts the entire range of the maximum curvature.最终，Hessian图像被阈值化以产生所提取的细胞膜的二值图像。 Finally, Hessian image is thresholded to produce a binary image of the cell membrane extraction.阈值水平通常被设置为两倍于Hessian中的轴像素值的标准方差。 The threshold level is typically set to a standard variance of the pixel values ​​of the Hessian axis twice.

[0270] 粒子权重 [0270] the particle weight

[0271] 如题为“粒子滤波器框架”的部分中所描述的，粒子滤波器的第二个主要步骤是测量更新，其中相应于给定粒子模型的现有测量的概率指定粒子的重要性权重。 [0271] The section entitled "particle filter framework" described in the second major step is to measure the particle filter update, wherein existing measurement corresponding to the probability of a given particle model specifies the importance weight of the particle .在我们的实例中，重要性权重是通过将上文讨论的预加工的显微镜图像与同样是上文讨论的模拟图像相比较来确定的。 In our example, the importance weight is obtained by microscopic image pre-processing discussed above and also discussed above, the analog image comparing determined.

[0272] 之前已经研究过这一问题，其中粒子滤波器权重通过使用正常交互信息将模拟的图像与实际图像相比较来计算。 This problem has been studied by [0272], wherein the particle filter weights by using the normal interaction with the analog image information calculated by comparing the actual image.这一方式与占据网格匹配的想法相似，其寻找都被占据(值I)或都是空的(值O)的像素位点。 This mesh occupies a matching manner similar idea, which are occupied by looking (value I) or are empty pixel site (value O) is.这些方法在所述模仿的和实际的图像在形状上相似但是稍微不重合时有麻烦。 These methods and to imitate the actual image is similar to but slightly trouble do not coincide in shape.反而，正在描述的方法是用以倒角距离为基础的可能性函数，其测量从一个点集到另一个的最近距离的平均值。 Instead, the method being described is based on the distance to the possibility of the chamfer function, which measures the average value to another set of closest distance from a point.定义两个点集A (尺寸m的真实数目的集合中)和B (尺寸η的真实数目的集合中)，分别相应于模拟图像和实际图像中的非零像素。 Points define two sets A (set of real number m in size) and B (the set of real numbers of size η) respectively corresponding to a simulated non-zero pixels in the image and the actual image.从点集A至B的向前的倒角距离给定为: From point A to B is set forward chamfer distance is given by:

[0273] [0273]

[0274] 相似地定义向后的倒角距离。 [0274] Similarly, define the chamfer distance rearward.本发明方法使用对称的倒角距离，其提供对模拟图像与真实图像匹配得多好以及真实图像与模拟图像匹配得多好的量度: The method of the present invention uses symmetrical chamfer distance, which provides a much better matching of the image and the simulated image with the real image and the simulated image matches the real much good measure:

[0276] 实际上，单个的距离测量被缩短以减少噪音的影响。 [0276] In fact, a single measurement of the distance is shortened to reduce the effects of noise.为了减少计算时间，距离通过寻找图像的距离转化中的像素位点来确定。 To reduce the computational time, the distance is determined by looking for pixel sites in the distance image conversion.

[0277] 倒角距离被用作给定模拟模型的我们的数据测量的可能性测量。 [0277] chamfer distance is used as a simulation model given the possibility of measuring data we measure.也就是说，在时间t，对于给定的图像测量Zt和粒子模型Xtw，粒子重要性权重被给定为: That is, at time t, for a given model and particle image measuring Zt XTW, particle importance weight is given by:

[0278] [0278]

[0279] 常数λ通常设置为I并且可变化以控制可能性分布的平面性。 [0279] Constant λ typically is set to I and may be varied to control the planarity of the probability distribution.

[0281] 粒子滤波器中第三个主要步骤是重新采样，其中将粒子与它们的权重成比例地选择以产生新的粒子的集合。 [0281] The third major particle filter are re-sampling step in which the particles to their weight proportion selected to produce a set of new particles.具有低概率的粒子被排除，而具有高概率的粒子被加倍。 Particles have a low probability of being excluded, and the particles have a high probability of being doubled.已经有开发用于重新采样的有效算法的大量前期工作。 We have developed efficient algorithms for re-sampling of a lot of preliminary work.本方法使用低变量方法。 The present method uses low variable method.

[0282] 粒子滤波器中的一个重要问题是粒子数目的选择。 [0282] An important issue is the number of particles in the filter particles selected.最简单的选择是使用固定值，称作M= 1000。 The simplest option is to use a fixed value, referred to as M = 1000.之后对于每个时间步骤，M粒子的集合被转化至相同大小的另一个集合中。 For each time step after the collection of particles M are transformed into another set of the same size.在本申请的上下文中，在细胞是无活性的或仅轻微改变的大小和位置期间可能有相对长的一段时间。 In the context of this application, the cells are inactive during the size and position changes only slightly or may have a relatively long period of time.利用这一观察的优点以通过根据细胞活性的量动态分配粒子的数目来减少处理负荷。 To take advantage of this observation so as to reduce the processing load by dynamically allocated according to the number of particles in an amount of cell activity.也就是说，当细胞是活性的并且分裂的时，我们增加粒子的数目而当粒子是无活性的时，我们减少粒子的数目。 That is, when the cell is active and when the split, we increase the number of particles and when particles are inactive, we reduce the number of particles.

[0283] 为了测量细胞活性的程度，计算新图像(通过显微镜获得)和之前的图像之间的像素密度的平方差的和(SSD)。 Pixel density of between [0283] In order to measure the degree of cell activity, a new image is calculated (obtained by microscope) and the previous image and the sum of squared differences (SSD).为了减少噪音，首先用高斯滤波器将图像平滑并且随时间用因果移动平均值将SSD的值平滑。 To reduce noise, the image is first smoothed with a Gaussian filter and a moving average over time, with the values ​​SSD causal smoothing.之后将粒子的数目与这一值成比例地动态调节并且缩短以停留在界线100 < M < 1000中。 After the value of the number of particles and to dynamically adjust and proportionally shortened to stay in line 100 <M in <1000.图30是显示粒子的数目可如何被分配用于从I细胞至4细胞期的胚胎分裂的图表。 FIG 30 is a graph showing how the number of particles can be allocated for split into 4 I cells from embryonic cells of a graph.应当注意到的是这一方法仅提供图像中“活性”的量的测量，但是没有区分细胞分裂和胚胎运动(转移和/或旋转)，因为没有进行之前的图像配准。 It should be noted that this method provides a measure of the amount of the image in the "active" only, but does not distinguish between cell division and embryo movement (transfer and / or rotation), since no previous image registration.在这一情况(确定粒子的数目)下，这是可接受的，因为粒子的数目在任一个事件中都应当增加。 In this case (to determine the number of particles) under, this is acceptable because the number of particles in any event should be an increase.实际上，在最可能的胚胎模型中我们同样以细胞的数目为基础调整了粒子的数目。 In fact, the most likely model embryos to the number of cells we also adjusted on the basis of the number of particles.也就是说，当更多的细胞据信存在于图像中时，产生更多的粒子。 That is, when more cells are believed to exist in the images, resulting in more particles.

[0284] 二维追踪的局限性 [0284] a two-dimensional limitations of track

[0285] 上文描述的2D细胞追踪算法被用于确定胚胎中细胞的数目以及它们的2D形状。 [0285] 2D cell tracking algorithm described above is used to determine the number of fetal cells and their 2D shape.然而，其被没有潜在的实体表示的事实所局限。 However, the fact that it is no underlying physical representation of the limitations.这对于自动追踪细胞分裂以便测定胚胎成活力来说可能是或可能不是重要的。 This automatic tracking cell division in order to determine fetal viability, it may or may not be important.例如，某些参数例如胞质分裂的持续时间和细胞分裂之间的时间可使用2D细胞追踪算法来测量。 For example, certain parameters such as the time between the duration of cytokinesis and cell division can be used to measure the 2D cell tracking algorithm.在下一个部分中，我们将我们的2D模型扩展为3D。 In the next section, we will expand our model 2D to 3D.为了处理从2D图像模拟3D形状所产生的闭合和深度不确定性，使用了对细胞体积浓度的几何约束和约束条件。 To handle closing and depth uncertainty arising from the 2D image 3D simulation shape, using geometric constraints on cell volume and concentration constraints.

[0287] 这一部分描述了用于细胞分裂的3D追踪的算法。 [0287] This section describes an algorithm for 3D tracking of cell division.来自2D算法的步骤中的许多延续至这一算法中，具有几个关键的例外。 Step from 2D algorithm many continue to this algorithm, with a few key exceptions.有用于3D用途的新的细胞表示。 3D new cells for representation purposes.细胞现在被表示为3D空间中的椭圆体，通过下列公式给出: Cells are now expressed by the following equation is given ellipsoid 3D space:

[0288] [0288]

[0289] 每个椭圆体同样具有朝向方向Θ、螺距ψ和滚转α。 [0289] each having the same ellipsoid Θ, pitch and roll ψ α toward.因此，时间t的每个细胞模型的表示被给定为: Thus, each cell model represents time t is given by:

[0290] [0290]

[0292] 这一修订的模型的一个重要影响是可能有与从2D图像推断的3D形状有关的不确定性。 [0292] An important impact of this revised model is that there may be related to the 3D shape inferred from 2D images uncertainty.例如，形状上是球体的细胞将具有与具有较长主轴和较长螺距旋转的细胞相似的外观。 For example, the shape of a sphere with a cell having a major axis and a long cells have a longer pitch rotation similar appearance.这不是主要的重要的事，因为如将在下文所显示的，粒子分布将保持这些多个假设直到可获得足够的信息以产生区别(例如从事件诸如细胞分裂)。 This is not a matter of primary importance, because as will be shown below, the particle distribution of the plurality of holding these assumptions until sufficient information is available to generate a difference (e.g. from events such as cell division).

[0293] 椭圆体被认为是严密的；也就是说，变形不能被清楚地建模。 [0293] ellipsoid is considered tight; that is, deformation can not be clearly modeled.然而，我们允许相邻椭圆体之间的少量的重叠并且在这些重叠的区中，我们假设细胞对彼此是平面化的。 However, we allow a small amount of overlap between the ellipsoid and adjacent to the overlapping region, we assume that each other cell is planarized.这是重要原因，因为其通常在胚胎中观察到并且我们在下列部分中解释它。 This is an important reason, because it is usually observed and we explain it in the following sections in the embryo.

[0294] 细胞扰乱和分裂 [0294] and disrupt cell division

[0295] 我们的3D细胞分裂和扰乱模型与部分4 “细胞扰乱和分裂”中的模型相似，具有少数例外。 [0295] Our 3D model disrupt cell division and "cell division and disrupt" the model section 4 similar, with a few exceptions.3D形状的模拟可被用于迫使体积守恒。 Simulation of 3D shape can be used to force conservation of volume.这防止细胞生长得任意大，尤其是在z方向。 This prevents the cells grow arbitrarily large, especially in the z direction.体积守恒被用于两种情况。 Conservation of volume is used for both cases.第一，用于细胞扰乱，单轴a和b是变化的并且计算c以便单个细胞的体积被保持。 First, cells used for scrambling, a and b are uniaxial and calculating the volume change to a single cell c is maintained.第二，用于细胞分裂，使用下列约束条件: Second, for cell division, using the following constraints:

[0296] [0296]

[0297] 其中下标P指示母细胞而下标dl和d2指示两个子细胞。 [0297] where the subscript P and the subscript indicates blasts dl and d2 indicate two daughter cells.事实上，我们通过使得胚胎总体积在原始体积的正/负5%之间波动而允许轻微违反这些约束条件。 In fact, we adopted such that the total volume of the embryo in a 5% fluctuation between positive / negative of the original volume and allowing a slight violate these constraints.这被用于补偿原始体积模拟中的可能的不准确性。 This is to compensate for possible inaccuracies in the simulation of the original volume.

[0298] 当3D中细胞被选择分裂时，其分裂以下列方式被建模。 [0298] When the 3D cell division is selected, which is modeled in the following way split.首先，对于所选择的单个细胞，使用沿椭圆形的长轴的分裂，其可以是a、b或C，取决于构型。 First, for a single cell of choice, the use of the long axis along the split oval, which may be a, b or C, and depending on the configuration.考虑到母细胞的旋转，子细胞被初始化以在尺寸和空间的均匀部分上相等。 Considering the rotation of the parent cell to daughter cells are initialized uniformly equal in size and the space portion.之后再次使用具有设定为初始值的10%的变量的正常分布将它们的参数扰乱以覆盖大范围的可能的构型。 After having set again using a normal distribution 10% of the initial value of the variable parameters of the scrambling to their possible configurations cover a wide range.

[0299] 几何约束 [0299] Geometric Constraints

[0300] 闭合和深度不确定性的问题通过体积的守恒而部分缓和。 [0300] Issues of uncertainty and closed by the volume of the conserved portion alleviated.然而，同样需要关于相邻的椭圆体的空间关系的约束条件。 However, the same need to constraints on the spatial relationship of adjacent ellipsoid.第一个约束条件是细胞不得在直径上重叠超过20%。 The first constraint is that the cells can not overlap more than 20% in diameter.对于重叠可接受的量的细胞，做了它们对彼此平面化的假设。 Acceptable amount of overlap of the cells, their assumptions made planarizing another.所描述的粒子模型通过在图像模拟期间忽略相交椭圆体内部的点表示这一现象。 Particle model described by ignoring the intersection point inside the ellipsoid represents the analog image during the phenomenon.这是经验激发的并且与实体观察行为良好相关。 This is a good experience to stimulate and entities associated with the observed behavior.

[0301] 强加了保持细胞非常近似的第二约束条件。 [0301] keep the cells imposes very similar second constraints.这一约束条件直接与人类胚胎的实体行为有关，其中细胞被称为透明带的膜约束。 This constraint is directly related to the physical behavior of human embryos, wherein the cell membrane is called the zona pellucida constrained.所述带被建模为球壳并且使用其强加边界条件。 The band is modeled as a spherical shell and use it to impose boundary conditions.所述带的半径被设定为比I细胞胚胎的半径大30%。 The belt radius ratio is set to be I somatic embryos radius 30% larger.

[0302] 如下文实施这些约束条件。 [0302] Examples below these constraints.如上文所描述的，对于给定时间的每个粒子，随机对照输入被用于产生新的粒子。 As hereinbefore described, each time for a given particle, randomized input is used to generate new particles.如果实体约束条件中的任一个被违反，新的粒子被排除并且使用新的随机对照。 If either entity is a constraint is violated, the new particles are excluded and a new random control.如果在一定数目的尝试之后没有产生满意的新的粒子，那么粒子被排除。 If no satisfactory new particle after a certain number of attempts, then the particles are excluded.

[0303] 图像模拟 [0303] Image Simulation

[0304] 实施例中所用的暗视野照明的优点是细胞膜比细胞内部散射更多光。 [0304] advantages of the dark-field illumination used in the examples is an embodiment of the membrane scatter more light than the cell interior.这一影响在细胞膜与光轴(Z-轴)平行的位点最显著。 This effect at the site of the cell membrane to the optical axis (Z-axis) parallel to the most significant.因此，为了模拟图像，在我们的3D模型中搜寻这些位点，因为它们的旋转其不是必然定位于在椭圆体的赤道。 Accordingly, in order to simulate the image, our search for those sites in the 3D model, as they are not necessarily rotation thereof is positioned at the equator of the ellipsoid.考虑到可见并且闭合的边缘，如上文讨论的，之后遵循了相似的规则。 Considering the visible and the closed edges, as discussed above, then followed a similar rule.

[0305] 2D中的细胞追踪实施例 The cell tracking [0305] 2D Example

[0306] 这一实施例与自动细胞显微镜有关并且使用上文描述的用于细胞分裂的2D追踪的算法。 [0306] This embodiment of the algorithm of automatic cell microscopy and about the above-described use for cell division 2D tracking.设计这一模型以追踪图像中细胞的数目以及细胞膜的2D轮廓。 This model is designed to track the number of images of cells and cell membranes of 2D profiles.第一步是图像获取，其激发随后的部分例如图像模拟和图像预加工。 The first step is the image acquisition, the subsequent excitation and analog portions of the image such as image pre-processing.用具有1X物镜的定制的OlympusIX-50倒置显微镜获取用于这一实施例的时差图像序列。 Obtaining a customized OlympusIX-50 inverted microscope with a 1X objective difference image sequence of this embodiment.显微镜被调整用于暗视野照明，其中中空的光锥通过在光源和聚光透镜之间放置圆孔而聚焦在样品上。 The microscope is adjusted to the dark-field illumination, wherein the hollow light cone of circular holes disposed through between the light source and the condenser lens is focused on the sample.物镜收集通过样品散射的光并且直接反射透射光，在暗背景上产生明亮的图像。 Scattered light collected by the objective lens and the sample transmitted light directly reflected, generating a bright image on a dark background.暗视野照明的优点是细胞膜往往比细胞内部散射更多的光，由此增加它们的对比。 Advantage of darkfield illumination membrane is often more light than the scattered inside the cell, thereby increasing their contrast.用加热台和定制的孵育箱装备显微镜以允许在多达5或6天的时间段中培养胚胎。 Allowing the embryo in culture up to 5 or 6 day period with a heating stage and custom equipment incubator microscope.通过架设在IX-50侧面的Olympus SLR数码相机图像以5分钟的间隔捕获图像。 Through the erection of the IX-50 side of the Olympus SLR digital camera image capture images at intervals of 5 minutes.

[0307] 胚胎的成像在它们是合子或者具有粗略球形形状的合子时开始。 [0307] In the imaging start embryos are zygotic or zygotic having a roughly spherical shape when.为了将粒子的集合初始化，如第6部分“图像预加工”中描述的计算阈值化的Hessian并且使用最小二乘法拟合圆。 In order to initialize the set of particles, as described in Section 6, "the image pre-processed" calculates the threshold of the Hessian described using a least squares fit circle.之后使用从均匀分布取样的随机趋向将所有粒子初始化为圆。 After using a random sample from a uniform distribution of all the particles will tend to initialize a disk.

[0308] 图31显示用于追踪从I细胞至4细胞期的细胞分裂的2D算法的结果。 [0308] FIG. 31 shows a 2D tracking result from cell division algorithm I cells to 4-cell stage.结果显示细胞膜通过所述算法成功提取，甚至是对于朝向底部的部分闭合的细胞。 The results showed that the cell membranes by an algorithm successfully extracted, even for the closing portion toward the bottom of the cell.应当注意到的是在大多数粒子滤波器应用中，“单个”最佳模型常常被表示为来自粒子分布的状态参数的加权的和。 It should be noted that the particle filter in most applications, a "single" best model is often represented as a state from weighted particle distribution and parameters.然而，对于本文中的结果，展示了具有最高概率的粒子。 However, for this article results, showing the particles with the highest probability.

[0309] 3D中的细胞追踪实施例 The cell tracking [0309] 3D Example

[0310] 图32显示上文描述的用于追踪从I细胞至4细胞期的3D算法的两个成功的应用。 [0310] FIG. 32 shows two successful application for tracking cells from I to 4 cell stage 3D algorithm described above.图33是显示粒子在I细胞至2细胞分裂期间如何分布的实施例(相应于图32中显示的第一个实施例)的图表。 FIG 33 is an embodiment of the particle to cell 2 during cell division I how they are distributed (corresponding to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 32) of a chart.这一张图显示每个细胞中心的3D位置。 This figure shows a 3D center position of each cell.当细胞开始分裂，预测显示出关于哪个子细胞将位于另一个顶部的不确定性，但是这在一对构架中被解决。 When the cells begin to divide and projections show that the uncertainty about which sub-cells will be located on top of the other, but this was resolved a pair of architecture.

[0311] 提取预测参数 [0311] extracted prediction parameters

[0312] 一旦使用之前描述的方法将胚胎建模，就可从模型提取某些参数。 [0312] By using the method described previously modeled embryos, some parameters can be extracted from the model.通常，使用最好或最大可能性的模型。 Typically, the best model or maximum likelihood.这些参数包括例如第一次胞质分裂的持续时间、第一次和第二次细胞分裂之间的时间以及第二次和第三次细胞分裂之间的时间。 These parameters include the time between the first time between the duration of cytokinesis, the first and second cell divisions, and the second and third cell division, for example.通过测量细胞的模型在其分裂为两个细胞之前伸长多长时间来大致估算胞质分裂的持续时间。 By measuring the cell model to approximate duration of cytokinesis elongation how long before it is split into two to cell.伸长可通过关注椭圆形的主轴和短轴的比例来测量。 Elongation can be measured by the proportion of interest ellipse and a minor axis of the spindle.可从模型提取的其他参数包括受精和第一次细胞分裂之间的时间、细胞的形状和对称性以及分裂过程、分裂的角度、破碎等等。 Other parameters can be extracted from the model comprises the time between fertilization and the first cell division, as well as the shape and symmetry of the process of cell division, the division angle, crushing and the like.可使用2D细胞追踪算法或3D细胞追踪算法提取参数。 2D cell tracking algorithm may be used or 3D cell tracking algorithms to extract parameters.

[0313] 通过胞质分裂沟首次出现至子细胞完成分离来定义胞质分裂。 [0313] cytokinesis furrow through the first time to complete the separation of daughter cells to define cytokinesis.由于我们的胚胎模型是由不变形的椭圆形组成的，鉴定胞质分裂沟的出现是具有挑战性的任务。 Since our embryo model is not deformed by the elliptical composition, cytokinesis appears to identify the groove is a challenging task.一种方法将允许椭圆形变形，但是这导致更复杂的追踪问题。 One method would allow modified oval, but this leads to more complicated tracing.另一种方法将是寻找预加工的显微镜图像中曲率的变化；然而，这破坏了努力直接从胚胎模型测量我们的预测参数的目的。 Another approach would be to look for changes in the microscopic image pre-processed curvature; however, this defeats the purpose of our efforts predictive parameters measured directly from the embryo model.因此，我们通过将第一次胞质分裂的持续时间大致估计为I细胞至2细胞分裂之前的细胞伸长的持续时间来将问题简化。 Therefore, we adopted the duration of the first cytokinesis is estimated to be approximately simplify the problem for the duration of cell elongation before I cells 2 to cell division.伸长通过计算椭圆形的主轴与短轴的比例来定量。 An elongated spindle quantified by calculating the ratio of the minor axis of the ellipse.如果: in case:

[0314] [0314]

则细胞被认为是伸长的。 The elongated cells are considered.

[0315] 15%这一值是经验选择的并且对于这一特定的数据集合来说运行良好；然而可使用其他值。 [0315] 15% This value is selected empirically and work well for this particular set of data is; however, other values ​​may be used.一旦胚胎模型分裂为2细胞，我们可通过计算I细胞模型的伸长的持续时间来提取第一次胞质分裂的大致估计的持续时间。 Once the model is divided into two cell embryo, we may extract a rough estimate of the duration of the first cytokinesis elongation is calculated by the duration I cell model.

[0316] 原则上，测量有丝分裂事件之间的时间是简单的。 The [0316] In principle, measuring the time between mitosis events is simple.例如，第一次和第二次有丝分裂之间的时间被测量为2细胞模型和3细胞模型之间的时间。 For example, the first and second time between mitosis is measured as the time between 2 and 3 cell model cell model.然而，在某些实例中，胚胎可表现出不寻常和随机的行为。 However, in some instances, embryos may exhibit unusual and random behavior.这包括例如从I细胞进行到2细胞，从2细胞进行到明显的3细胞或4细胞以及之后回到2细胞的胚胎。 This includes, for example, from I to 2 cells cells from cell 2 to cell 3 or 4 distinct cell 2 and then returns to cell embryo.所描述的算法能够追踪这一类型的行为，但是它对确定有丝分裂事件之间的时间间隔提出了挑战。 The described algorithm can track this type of behavior, but it is determined mitosis time interval between events posed a challenge.

[0317] 处理这一行为的一种方式如下:代替测量2细胞和3细胞模型之间的时间(为了寻找第一次和第二次有丝分裂之间的时间)，这可通过简单地计算图像构架(其中2细胞模型是最可能的)的数目来大致估计。 [0317] One way to deal with this behavior is as follows: Instead of measuring the time between the cells 2 and 3 cell model (in order to find the first and second time between mitosis), which image frame can be calculated by simply (2 cell model which is most likely) to roughly estimate the number.这在某些实例中运行良好但是不总是代表有丝分裂事件之间的真实时间。 This works well in some instances, but not always represent actual time between mitosis events.可通过在以细胞的数目为基础的模型上强加限制来处理这些事件。 By imposing restrictions on the number of cells in a model-based to handle these events.也就是说，当从每次迭代的分布选择最好或最可能的模型时，可需要模型中的细胞的数目总是保持相同或增加，但是从不下降。 That is, when choosing the best or most probable model from the distribution of each iteration, the number of cells in the model may need to always remain the same or increase, but never decrease.强加这一约束条件后，计算有丝分裂事件之间的时间是简单的。 After the imposition of the constraints, calculate the time between mitosis events is simple.这一约束条件也用于将可能显示少量抖动的追踪结果过滤，例如其可在模型在I细胞和2细胞模型之间来回切换时偶尔发生。 This constraint may also be used to display the result of a small amount of jitter tracking filter, for example, which may occasionally occur when switching back and forth between the model and the 2 cell model I cells.

[0318] 用于追踪预测参数的方法 [0318] A method for tracking predictive parameters

[0319] 图35显示概括了上文描述的方法的流程图。 [0319] FIG. 35 shows a flowchart outlining a method described above.流程图显示可如何分析单个胚胎(尽管这可被用于多个胚胎或其他类型的细胞和干细胞)。 Analysis flowchart shows how a single embryo (although it may be used or a plurality of other types of embryo and stem cells).在第一步中，用时差显微术获取胚胎的图像(“测量”)。 In the first step, obtaining an image of the embryo ( "measure") with a time difference microscopy.这一图像可被保存至文件并且在后面的时间点重新打开。 This image can be saved to a file and reopened at a later point in time.图像通常被预加工以增强某些特征，尽管这不是必须的。 The image is typically pre-processed to enhance certain characteristics, although this is not essential.预测可能的胚胎构型的模型并且从这些模型模拟图像(“预测”)。 Predicting possible configurations of embryos from these models and model simulation images ( "prediction").所模拟的图像可包括如上文描述的细胞膜的图像或者更精确地代表预加工之前的显微镜图像的图像。 The analog image may comprise an image of a cell membrane as described above or, more accurately represents the image of the microscope image before pre-processing.之后将模型与预加工的显微镜图像相比较(“比较”)。 After the pre-processing model of the microscope image are compared ( "compare").使用这一比较，保留最好的预测，同时排除不良预测。 Using this comparison, the best predictor of retention, while excluding bad prediction.之后所得到的预测的集合被用于改善对下一个图像的预测。 After the obtained predicted set is used to improve the prediction of the next image.对多个连续图像进行这一过程之后，直接从最好的一个或多个模型测量形态学参数是可能的，例如胞质分裂的持续时间和有丝分裂事件之间的时间。 After this process, a number of consecutive images directly from the best of one or more models to measure morphological parameters is possible, for example, the time between the duration of cytokinesis and mitotic events.如之前所讨论的，这些参数可被用于评估胚胎的成活力。 As previously discussed, these parameters may be used to assess the viability of the embryo.

[0320] 实施例7 [0320] Example 7

[0321] 细胞活性的自动分析 [0321] The automatic analyzer cell activity

[0322] 上文描述的方法需要经由显微镜追踪细胞发育的能力。 The method described in [0322] above need via the microscope traceability cell development.对于胚胎，所期望的是追踪在同一个皿中一起培养的多个胚胎。 For embryos, it is desirable to track multiple embryos in a dish with culture together.本文所用的分析方法同样需要周期获取的图像(例如对于胚胎每1-30分钟一次，持续1-5天；不同的时间间隔可被用于其他类型的细胞例如干细胞)。 As used herein, the analysis also requires an image acquisition cycle (e.g., every 1-30 minutes for embryo for 1-5 days; different time intervals may be used for other types of cells such as stem cells).因此设计成像方法以自动追踪胚胎发育。 Thus design of the imaging method of automatically tracking embryonic development.

[0323] 在时差显微术中，细胞在控制的条件下生长并且在延长的一段时间内被成像以监测进程例如活动力(在环境中的运动)、增殖(生长和分裂)和形态学上的变化(大小和形状)。 [0323], cell growth and is imaged over an extended period of time to monitor the progress e.g. motility (motion in the environment), proliferation (growth and division) under controlled conditions of time difference microscopy and morphologically changes (size and shape).归因于实验的长度和所产生的巨大量的图像数据，提取参数例如细胞分裂的持续时间和之间的时间可能是冗长的任务。 Due to the huge amount and the length of the generated test image data, the extraction parameters such as time duration between cell division and can be a tedious task.这对于其中多个样品被同时成像的高通量的应用来说尤其真实。 This is especially true for high-throughput applications of the plurality of samples is simultaneously imaged wherein.因此，有对能够自动提取所期望的信息的图像分析软件的需要。 Therefore, there is a need to be able to automatically extract the desired information of the image analysis software.

[0324] 评估胚胎成活力的一种方式是测量图像中“细胞活性”的量。 [0324] One way to assess the viability of the embryo is an image measurement "cell activity".这可简单地通过获取连续成对的图像并且比较它们的像素值来完成。 This can be done simply and compare their pixel values ​​acquired by successive pairs of images.更特别地，为了测量每个新图像的细胞活性的量，计算新图像(标记为I)和之前的图像(标记为I')之间的像素密度的差值平方和(SSD)，整个所有重叠的像素1: Pixel density of squared differences (SSD), more particularly between, in order to measure the amount of activity per cell of a new image, a new image is calculated (labeled I) and the previous image (labeled I '), all the whole overlapping pixels 1:

[0325] [0325]

[0326] 为了减少噪音，图像可首先用高斯滤波器来平滑。 [0326] To reduce noise, the image may first be smoothed with a Gaussian filter.图28显示单个胚胎第I天至第3天的细胞活性的曲线图。 28 shows a graph of a single embryo cell activity on day I to 3 days.如所显示的，有相应于人类胚胎中I细胞至2细胞分裂、2细胞至4细胞分裂和4细胞质8细胞分裂的尖锐的峰。 As it is shown, corresponding to the human embryonic cell division I cells to 2, 2 to 4 cell division and the cell cytoplasm 4 8 sharp peak cell division.峰的宽度代表细胞分裂的持续时间。 Duration represents the width of the peak of cell division.

[0327] 该方法的局限性之一是SSD度量仅测量图像中的活性的量并且事件例如胚胎运动(诸如移位或旋转)看上去可与细胞分裂非常相似。 [0327] One limitation of this approach is to measure and SSD events such as cell division may appear very similar to the amount of active image measuring embryo motion only (such as a shift or rotation).对于这一问题的一种解决方法是在计算SSD之前进行图像配准。 Image registration is carried out prior to calculating the SSD for a solution to this problem.图像配准是寻找两个图像之间的几何关系以便将它们在相同的坐标系中校准的过程并且可使用多种不同的技术完成。 Image registration is to find the geometric relationship between the two images so that they are calibrated in the same coordinate system and process using a variety of different techniques.例如，可使用Levenberg-Marquardt迭代非线性程序的一种变型，其通过将重叠的像素密度的SSD最小化将图像配准。 For example, a variant using iterative non-linear program Levenberg-Marquardt, overlapped by the pixel density of the SSD minimize image registration.LM算法使用3x3单应性矩阵转化像素位点: LM algorithm using 3x3 homography matrix conversion pixel sites:

[0334] 单应性矩阵可被用于多种图像转化并且这一应用中的合理的选择将是刚体(欧几里德)转化。 [0334] homography matrix may be used for a variety of image transformation and application of this would be a reasonable choice rigid body (Euclidean) conversion.这将转移和平面旋转(沿照相机轴)中的胚胎的图像校准。 This rotation of the image plane and transfer the calibration embryos (along the camera axis) is.然而，稍微一般化并且使用仿射变换是可能的，其允许图像相位差。 However, somewhat generalized and using affine transformation it is possible, which allows the image phase.该一般化取决于努力测量的信号而可能是或可能不是预期的。 The generalized effort depends on signal measurements that may or may not be expected.因此运动公式是: So the equation of motion is:

[0335] xf = hoX+h^+hs [0335] xf = hoX + h ^ + hs

[0336] jf = h3x+h4y+h5 [0336] jf = h3x + h4y + h5

[0337] LM算法首先使用链式法则计算e对于未知运动参数hk的偏导数: [0337] LM algorithm to calculate the partial derivative of e to the unknown motion parameters hk of the first to use the chain rule:

[0346] 随后，使用这些偏导数，LM算法通过加上来自每个像素的贡献来计算近似的Hessian矩阵A (在大小6x6的真实数目的集合中)和加权的梯度矢量b (在大小6x1的真实数目的集合中): [0346] Subsequently, using these partial derivatives, LM algorithm to calculate the approximate Hessian matrix A by adding the contributions from each pixel (real number collection size 6x6) and the weighted gradient vector B (of size 6x1 the real number of the set):

[0352] 在算法的每次迭代中，根据所更新的运动评估将第一图像扭曲并且通过计算重叠区域中的像素密度的SSD与第二图像比较。 [0352], and comparing the first image distortion by calculating the overlapping area of ​​the pixel density of the image according to the movement of the second SSD evaluate the updated at each iteration of the algorithm.本应用假设连续图像之间的胚胎运动是非常小的并且因此仅进行小的固定量的迭代。 This application is assumed that motion between successive images embryo is very small and thus only a small fixed amount of iterations.图28显示没有(28Α)和有(28Β)对每对图像进行图像配准的细胞活性的曲线图。 Figure 28 shows no (28Α) and have (28Β) cell activity graph image for each registration image.由于Levenberg-Marquardt程序的方差公式是SSD,简单地将每次校准的残差绘图。 Since the variance formula Levenberg-Marquardt procedure is SSD, simply drawing each calibration residuals.图29比较了正常和不正常胚胎发育的细胞活性的曲线图。 Figure 29 compares the graph of the cell viability of normal and abnormal embryonic development.在第3天，在胚胎学家通常评估形态学的点，胚胎看起来相似并且可能地都被认为是有活力的。 On day 3, the point is usually the morphological assessment of embryologists, embryo may look similar and are considered to be viable.然而，它们的细胞活性曲线图却大大不同，因为胚胎中的一个胚胎经历典型的一系列细胞分裂而其他胚胎从I细胞胚胎分裂为多细胞并且破碎。 However, their activity is greatly different from Cells graph, as a typical embryo embryos subjected to a series of other embryonic cell division I split from multicellular embryonic cells and broken.如所期望的，具有正常活性曲线图的胚胎最终在第5.5天前达到胚泡。 As expected, embryos with normal activity graph eventually reach blastocyst 5.5 days before.

[0353] 在计算像素密度中的SSD之前可使用其他类型图像配准。 [0353] Other types may be used prior to image registration SSD pixel density is calculated.这包括例如交互相关、标准化交互相关、交互相位相关、交互信息、特征检测和追踪、尺度不变特征变换(SIFT)、光流法和梯度下降。 This includes, for example, cross-correlation, normalized cross-correlation, phase correlation interaction, interaction information, feature detection and tracking, scale invariant feature transform (the SIFT), optical flow and gradient descent.在配准之前，图像预加工例如特征或对比增强可以是或者可以不是所预期的。 Before registration, image pre-processing, for example contrast enhancement or feature it may or may not be expected.

[0354] 用于评估胚胎成活力的模型 [0354] for model evaluation embryo viability

[0355] 图13显示以相关的成像和分子分析为基础的人类胚胎发育的模型。 [0355] FIG. 13 shows molecular analysis and associated imaging model based on human embryonic development.所显示的是从合子发育至胚泡的时间线，包括用于预测成功发育至胚泡的关键的短暂时间和胚胎发育的图表。 Shown is the development from zygote to blastocyst timeline, including for predicting critical to the success of development and embryogenesis short time graph blastocyst.如图解的，主要分子数据表明人类胚胎用遗传自母亲的不同集合的卵母细胞RNA开始生活。 As illustrated, the main molecular genetic data suggest that human embryos using RNA from different sets of oocytes mother starts life.这一RNA的集合在卵中通过特异的RNA管理程序被保持并且正确地包装。 This RNA is set correctly held and packaged by a specific RNA management program in eggs.受精之后，对卵特异性的亚集合母系RNA(ESSP1:胚胎期特异性模式I)的降解必须随卵母细胞向胚胎的转换开始而降解。 After fertilization, the egg-specific sub-set of maternal RNA: Degradation (ESSP1 embryonic specific mode I) starts to be degraded with conversion to the embryo oocytes.同时，其他RNA随发育继续被理想地平均分配给每个卵裂球(ESSP4)。 At the same time, other RNA continue to be ideally distributed equally to each blastomere with the development (ESSP4).RNA的成功降解和分配随细胞自主方式的胚胎基因组活化(EGA)和ESSP2基因的转录而结束。 Successful distribution of RNA degradation and cell autonomous manner with the embryonic genome activation (EGA) gene transcription and ESSP2 ends.值得注意的是，在卵裂分裂期间，胚胎卵裂球可独立地停滞或进行。 It is noteworthy that, during cleavage divisions, embryonic blastomeres can be independently stagnation or.胚胎中细胞自主发育的结果是单个的卵裂球可停滞或前进并且随着8细胞胚胎前进至桑椹胚期，胚泡质量将受到停滞或前进超过8细胞的细胞数目的影响。 Results embryo development is cell autonomous single blastomeres may arrest or proceeds and as the 8-cell embryos proceeds to morula, blastocyst quality will be affected by the number of cells arrest or advanced beyond 8 cells.成像数据证实有预测成功或失败的发育的关键时期:第一次胞质分裂、第二次卵裂分裂以及第二次和第三次卵裂分裂的同步性。 The imaging data confirmed predict the success or failure of a critical period of development: first cytokinesis, the second cleavage division and synchronicity of the second and third cleavage division.这些参数可使用之前描述的细胞追踪算法和软件自动测量。 Cell tracking algorithms and software described previously may be used to automatically measure these parameters.所描述的系统和方法可用于用关键成像预测因子诊断胚胎结果并且可允许转移发育中较早(EGA之前)的较少的胚胎。 Systems and methods described may be used to diagnose fetal imaging result with the key transfer predictors and may allow early development (before EGA) fewer embryos.自动与手动图像分析的比较。 Automatic comparison with the manual image analysis.

[0356] 图34显示14个胚胎的集合的自动图像分析与手动图像分析的比较。 Comparative automatic image analysis and image analysis manually set [0356] Figure 34 shows the 14 embryos.胚胎I至10(如曲线图上所标记的)达到胚泡期，具有不同的形态学。 I to 10 embryos (as marked on the graph) reaches the blastocyst stage, having a different morphology.胚胎11至14停滞并且没有达到胚泡期。 Embryonic 11-14 stagnant and does not reach the blastocyst stage.图34A显示测量第一次胞质分裂的持续时间的比较，而图34B显示测量第一次和第二次有丝分裂之间的时间的比较。 FIG 34A shows a comparison of the measured duration of the first cytokinesis, and 34B shows the first measurement and the second time with a comparison between mitosis.如所示的，两个方法通常显示出良好的一致性。 As shown, two methods generally exhibit good consistency.第一次胞质分裂的持续时间的少量的偏差是预期的，因为如之前所讨论的，它们可归因于我们的自动分析通过测量延长而产生近似值。 A small amount of deviation of the duration of first cytokinesis is expected, because, as previously discussed, which is attributable to our automated analysis produced by measuring the extension of approximation.在几个实例中，胞质分裂的持续时间以及第一次和第二次有丝分裂之间的时间两者的自动和手动分析之间有较大的不一致。 In several examples, as well as the duration of cytokinesis greater inconsistency between automatic and manual analysis of both the time between mitosis has first and second.这出现在几个不正常的胚胎上并且由手动难以表征而且难以自动追踪的异常行为所导致。 This occurs several abnormal embryos and manually and extremely difficult to characterize the behavior resulting from the automatic tracking difficult.对于这一组胚胎和仅使用头两个标准(第一次胞质分裂的持续时间和第一次和第二次有丝分裂之间的时间)，自动算法具有零假阳性。 For (the time between the duration of first cytokinesis and mitotic first time and the second time) this group of embryos and using only the first two criteria, automatic algorithm with zero false positives.这在假阳性必须被避免的IVF程序中将是非常重要的。 This is in the IVF program must be to avoid false positive is very important.手动图像分析具有一个假阴性(胚胎9)而自动算法具有两个假阴性(胚胎9和10)。 Manual image analysis with a false negative (embryo 9) and an automated algorithm having two false negatives (embryos 9 and 10).然而，尽管胚胎9和10技术上达到胚胎期，但是它们与其他的胚泡相比显示不良形态学并且将是转移的较不佳的候选者。 However, although the embryos 9 and 10 embryonic be technically, they are compared with other display defects blastocyst morphology and be less preferred candidates for transfer.对于手动图像分析，胚胎14将是以这两个标准为基础的假阳性并且需要第二次和第三次有丝分裂之间的持续时间的第三参数以给出真正的阴性。 For manual image analysis, 14 embryos will be based on these two criteria is based on the false-positive and need a second and third time with a third parameter duration between mitosis to give a real negative.然而，自动算法仅使用头两个标准就做出了正确的预测。 However, the algorithm automatically made the correct prediction using only the first two criteria.这些结果表明我们的自动算法可成功地预测胚泡与非胚泡以及不同质量的胚泡之间的区别。 These results show that our automatic algorithm can successfully predict the difference between the blastocyst and the blastocyst and various non-quality blastocysts.因此，对于多个胚胎被确定具有良好发育潜力的情况，IVF程序期间计算它们相对质量的等级以便选择最好的I或2个胚胎用于转移是可能的。 Thus, a plurality of embryos is determined to have good developmental potential, the calculation of the relative level of their mass during IVF procedures in order to select the best embryos I or 2 for the transfer is possible.

[0357] 前述的仅仅是说明本发明的原则。 [0357] The foregoing is merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention.应当理解的是，本领域技术人员能够设计各种方案，其虽然没有在本文明确地描述或显示，但实现了本发明的原理并被包括在本发明的精神和范围之内。 It should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements which, although not explicitly described herein, or display, but the realization of the principles of the invention and are included within the spirit and scope of the present invention.此外，在本文叙述的所有实施例和条件性语言原则上旨在帮助读者理解本发明的原理和发明人为改进现有技术所贡献的概念而不被视为限制到这些特别叙述的实施例和条件。 Furthermore, all embodiments described herein the principles of examples and conditional language is intended to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts of the present invention to improve the prior art artificial contributed not be taken as limited to the embodiments and conditions described in these special .此外，本文叙述本发明的原理、方面和实施方案以及其特定的实施例的所有陈述预期涵盖其结构和功能等同物。 Further, the principles of the present invention herein described, all statements contemplated aspects and embodiments as well as specific embodiments encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof.另外，预期这些等同物包括当前已知的等同物和将来开发的等同物，即，不考虑结构而实现相同的功能所开发的任何元件。 Further, it is contemplated that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents and equivalents developed in the future, i.e., without regard to the structure to achieve the same functionality as any elements developed.因而，本发明的范围并非预期限制于在本文显示和描述的示例性实施方案。 Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein.而是，本发明的范围和精神由所附的权利要求书体现。 Rather, the scope and spirit of the invention by the appended claims reflect.

Claims (10)

Translated from Chinese

1.一种确定人类胚胎的发育潜力的方法，其包括体外测量细胞参数，其中所述细胞参数单独或组合地包括: (a)胞质分裂I ； (b)胞质分裂I的结束和胞质分裂2的开始之间的时间间隔；和/或(c)胞质分裂2的起始和胞质分裂3的起始之间的时间间隔； 并且如果(a' )胞质分裂I持续O分钟至30分钟； (b' )胞质分裂I的结束和胞质分裂2的开始之间的时间间隔为8-15小时；和/或(c' )胞质分裂2的起始和胞质分裂3的起始之间的时间间隔为0-5小时， 确定所述胚胎具有良好发育潜力。 1. A method of determining the developmental potential of human embryos, comprising measuring in vitro cell parameters, wherein said cellular parameters alone or in combination comprising: (a) cytokinesis I; (B) end of cytokinesis and cell I mass disintegration time interval between the start of two; and / or (c) starting cytokinesis 2 and cytokinesis splitting the time interval between the start 3; and if (a ') continuously cytokinesis I O minutes to 30 minutes; (b ') and the end I cytokinesis cytokinesis 2 time interval between the start of 8-15 hours; and / or (c') and the cytoplasmic starting cytokinesis 2 3 between the split starting time intervals of 0-5 hours, to determine the developmental potential of embryonic good.

2.如权利要求1所述的方法，其中所述细胞参数包括: (a)胞质分裂I ； (b)胞质分裂I的结束和胞质分裂2的开始之间的时间间隔；和(c)胞质分裂2的起始和胞质分裂3的起始之间的时间间隔。 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said cellular parameters comprises: (a) I cytokinesis; (B) I end and cytokinesis cytokinesis time interval between the start of two; and ( c) cytokinesis 2 and cytokinesis split starting time interval between the start 3.

3.如权利要求1或2所述的方法，其中所述细胞参数通过时差显微术测量。 The method according to claim 12, wherein the cell parameters measured by the time difference microscopy.

4.如权利要求1或2所述的方法,其中所述细胞参数进一步包括细胞周期I的持续时间。 4. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said cell further comprises a duration parameter I of the cell cycle.

5.如权利要求4所述的方法，其中20-27小时的细胞周期I的持续时间指示所述人类胚胎的良好发育潜力。 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the cell cycle duration of 20-27 hours, indicating good I developmental potential of the human embryo.

6.如权利要求1的方法，其中所述胚胎通过卵母细胞在体外受精来产生。 6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said embryo to produce oocytes by in vitro fertilization.

7.如权利要求6的方法，其中所述卵母细胞在体外成熟。 7. The method of claim 6, wherein said oocyte maturation in vitro.

8.如权利要求7的方法，其中所述在体外成熟的卵母细胞用生长因子补充。 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the in vitro maturation of oocytes supplemented with growth factors.

9.如权利要求1的方法，其中在测量所述参数之前胚胎未经冷冻。 9. The method of claim 1, wherein prior to measuring the parameters without being frozen embryos.

10.如权利要求1的方法，其中在测量所述参数之前所述胚胎经过冷冻。 10. The method of claim 1, wherein prior to measuring the parameters of the embryos after freezing.

Method for assessing condition of population of cells, method for assessing carcinogenicity of candidate compound and method for assessing anti cancer activity of latent anticancer compound, and method for assessing quality of therapeutic cell population

Method for genetic testing of human embryos for chromosome abnormalities, segregating genetic disorders with or without a known mutation and mitochondrial disorders following in vitro fertilization (IVF), embryo culture and embryo biopsy